Unilever to close original Weis ice cream factory in Toowoomba

Global FMCG giant Unilever has decided to close its Weis ice cream production facility in Toowoomba, Queensland, and move the manufacturing operations to its Minto site in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

The move to close the facility follows the company’s extensive review of its Australia and New Zealand ice cream business.

Unilever Australia and New Zealand CEO Clive Stiff said: “We did not anticipate this decision when we acquired Weis from the Weis family in 2017. It was our firm intention to keep manufacturing at Toowoomba, which is why we have made major investments in the site over the past two and a half years.

“We have also made significant investments in building the brand through marketing, research & development, and increased distribution in Australia and international markets. However, the ice cream market – in terms of costs, competition and distribution channels – has changed very quickly and pressure on our business has significantly increased.

“After an extensive review, it’s become clear that consolidating our Australian ice cream manufacturing operations at Minto is necessary to achieve the benefits of scale and ensure continued strong on-shore manufacturing.”

The decision to move manufacturing operations is expected to impact 93 staff members at the Toowoomba facility.

Unilever said that employment opportunities will be available for the Toowoomba facility members who wish to move to other parts of the Unilever business, including its operations in Sydney, NSW. The company has also launched a support programme to assist affected employees in preparing for future employment opportunities.

Operations at the Toowoomba manufacturing facility will cease to operate by December 2020, following a gradual transition.

Stiff added: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we recognise that this announcement will affect everyone on-site at Toowoomba, as well as the local community.

“We have spoken to the Weis family and we appreciate their deep disappointment and we understand this is not something they would have foreseen when they sold the business to Unilever.

“We are committed to providing consumers with the same exceptional Weis products with the same high-quality natural ingredients.”