Goodman Fielder confirms 120 jobs to go in Hamilton closure

Goodman Fielder this morning confirmed the closure of its Hamilton Huttons / Kiwi Bacon factory with the loss of some 125 jobs. Photo / Greg Bowker

More than 120 jobs look set to go at a Hamilton meat factory after Goodman Fielder confirmed the closure of the plant, a union says.

Workers at the Huttons/Kiwi Bacon factory in Frankton were called into a meeting at 7am today with Goodman Fielder NZ managing director, Peter Reidie, where the news was confirmed, said FIRST Union.

It comes weeks after staff at the factory were warned that 125 jobs could be cut from the facility by the Australasian food company.

Goodman Fielder announced on January 8 it had agreed to a proposal to sell its meat business to Hellers.

"There was a combination of disappointment and relief amongst workers,'' FIRST Union general secretary Robert Reid said.

"While workers were disappointed to hear the news that the site would close and they would be make redundant, there was also relief that after a month of waiting the final decision had been made.''

Mr Reid said the union, which represents 96 of the affected staff, would work closely with the company and Government agencies to ensure workers receive full support throughout the closure and redundancy period.