Redundancies at Carter Holt Harvey mill in Tokoroa

Carter Holt Harvey in Tokoroa has been affected by another round of cutbacks, with the loss of 40 jobs from next month.

The plywood mill, which employs 240 people, has blamed import competition, a softening Australian housing market and increased costs for the downsizing and will now "seek expressions of interest in voluntary redundancies".

Engineered wood products business manager John Thorburn said for the mill to remain competitive it needed to protect its market position, reduce its cost structure and improve maintenance.

"Although it is difficult news for the site, existing vacancies and further operational changes have helped limit the number of redundancies," he said.

The job losses are the latest chapter in a litany of workforce cutbacks by Carter Holt Harvey in Tokoroa in recent years.

In December 2003, the company closed its sawmill in the town with a cost of 100 jobs, while 390 of its then 770-strong workforce were laid off in August 2001.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)