“Disbelief” and “frightened for our future” are two descriptions from Melba Gourmet Delight’s Tauranga employees.
Why? Because they have recently been given the news that the factory they work at in Tauriko has been sold and only 20 of the 47 people working there may get their jobs back next year.
“Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, the owner of Melba’s Gourmet Delights, can confirm it has entered into a contract to sell its Tauranga business as a going concern to Florentines Patisserie,” says director Brenton Gibbs.
The sale will be effective from January 31, 2024.
Florentines Patisserie is a large wholesale manufacturer and marketer of frozen cakes and desserts for the food-service and retail sectors in New Zealand and overseas, and is in the process of buying Melba.
“This sale represents a good opportunity for Melba’s and Florentines at Tauranga to consolidate their operations and grow further in the New Zealand market and open up new opportunities,” says Brenton.
In a statement provided to SunLive, Brenton says Priestley’s has decided to sell this part of its New Zealand operation to concentrate on its core market and operations in Australia.
“The Blenheim operations are being retained by Priestley’s and is unaffected by this announcement.
“Florentines Patisserie is reviewing the company’s operations and considering staff requirements ahead of the sale date.
“Current staff can elect to transfer for consideration for continued employment in the business.
“This process has been communicated to all staff and will be conducted by Florentine’s as soon as possible and employment is continuing for all staff up until the sale date of January 31, 2024.”
A man who wishes to remain anonymous is currently employed with Melba, working in the factory.
He says the staff are very regretful and have been blindsided by the events that have taken place.
“We are all unsure and uneasy as to where, and what employment, if any will be ahead.
“We were all looking forward to the holiday season. Now, we are saddened and destroyed as we desperately search for new employment.
“With a total of at least 27 employees being dismissed on January 31.
“We have until Monday to decide if we would like to attempt to join Florentines Patisseries.
“We are all in disbelief and frightened of the future ahead for all of us and our families.”
1 comment
Jobs for Life.
Posted on 14-12-2023 12:33 | By morepork
Sadly , they no longer exist, for most of us. Even in Japan, which had generational employment (parents, children, etc.) the security of a job has gone. Modern commerce is fluid and dynamic; even the mighty can crash. The best defence is to work on your personal development and build your confidence and general flexibility and capability. (bright, capable people who work well with others are welcomed in most enterprises, even if they need some OTJ training.) If you let your fear show at an interview, it won't go well. If you are young, think about a career and be prepared to study in your own time. If you are older, you have workplace experience and can turn your hand to whatever is required. If there is nothing going, could you provide a local service as a sole trader, maybe start your own business? Be flexible and positive.
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