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The latest factory closure has dealt another blow to Hutt City's business sector.
After more the 50 years of operating and despite turning a profit, the Colgate Palmolive factory in Petone is closing next year, bringing the loss of around 100 jobs.
Engineering and Manufacturing Union understands the decision has been made in New York and goods will be brought in from Malaysia and Australia.
Union secretary, Andrew Little, says it is just one in a long line of manufacturing plants pulling out of the Wellington region and follows in the footsteps of South Pacific Tyres, IBM and Southward Engineering.
Mr Little says the Hutt Valley in particular has taken a big hit from factories winding up their operations. He says it underscores the need for the Government to be very clear about its manufacturing strategy. Mr Little believes New Zealand has to look hard at what it is good at making and the products that attract a premium value.
Union representatives will be at the Colgate plant today working out how to help the 100 workers about to lose their jobs.
- NEWSTALK ZB
