Goodman Fielder plans to close certain production units

Australian food manufacturer Goodman Fielder intends to implement changes in its baking business as part of its strategy to optimise its network to compete effectively across Australia.

Goodman Fielder chief executive officer Scott explained that the company plans to invest in selected sites, as well as relocate and close others to build a more sustainable business.

Weitemeyer said: “Today’s announcements continue Goodman Fielder’s investment commitment across all of its markets with over $650m being planned between 2016-2019, of which approximately $200m will be in Australia.”

Goodman Fielder's changes will affect its Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales (NSW) and ACT operations.

The company has also made an agreement with a third party in Malaga, Perth, to manufacture its products and brands in Western Australia, which will cease manufacturing operation at its Malaga bakery on 1 May.

In Queensland, the sandwich maker has initiated employee consultations regarding the relocation of its Carina and Hemmant bakeries.

If the proposals are approved, the facilities would stop manufacturing through the second half of this year, affecting nearly 140 production jobs.

The company further added that it intends to create more than 60 new jobs at the Burleigh Heads, Moorebank and Canberra facilities, as it aims to increase production capacity at these sites.