Cadbury jobs to go as it turns to further automation after 100 years operation

The Cadbury factory is more than 100 years old and as it turns to further automation it has announced job losses next year. Find out why.

Workers at the Cadbury factory at Claremont Tasmania in December 1948. Making Cadbury Milk Tray assortments. Picture: Mercury historical archive

Cadbury will shed 20 jobs at its Tasmanian factory as it turns to robots to become more modern and efficient.

Mondelez International, owner of Cadbury, has confirmed the move to automation could see “new opportunities” for some employees.

“We are currently looking at ways to adopt automation and build digitalisation capabilities as we replace ageing infrastructure at its end of life, to modernise our network and simplify our processes,” a Mondelez spokesperson said.

“These changes will create new opportunities for employees but could also mean some will be leaving largely on a voluntary redundancy basis around September next year, and they’ll be supported with career and financial advice to make an informed decision about retirement and the future.”

Jacob Batt, Australian Manufacturing WorkersÕ Union State Organiser. Picture: Chris Kidd

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union state secretary Jacob Batt said an initial meeting had been held on Wednesday to discuss the redundancies with more meetings scheduled.

“Our understanding is any proposed redundancy will be voluntary,” Mr Batt said.

“The processes agreed to in our enterprise agreement will be followed.”

Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said she was disappointed at the news of potential job cuts at Mondelez’s Claremont factory.

“It is always sad to hear of people losing their jobs in Glenorchy, particularly during this cost-of-living crisis,” she said.

“I encourage those affected to contact the Glenorchy Jobs Hub for assistance if needed.”

In September this year Cadbury was tight-lipped about whether it was going to upgrade its Claremont factory.

Cadbury workers with over 100 years experience between them, Greg Banks, Tracy Baker, Patrick Swan and Lucy Ziomek. Picture: Chris Kidd

Darren O’Brien, the CEO Mondelēz Australia, said no decision had been yet made on the factory’s upgrade but work was continuing on the $100m Chocolate Experience announced in March.

“We are in early stages of mapping future capacity needs, so it would be too early to share details,” he told the Mercury at the time.

The Mondelez spokesperson said: “In order to deliver another 100 years of manufacturing in Australia, it is important that we continuously improve our operations and find ways to be more efficient to ensure a sustainable future.

“Around 20 voluntary redundancies for affected manufacturing and support roles at Claremont will be made available next year once vacant roles and redeployments are worked through as part of our formal process.”

The popular Cadbury factory was established in 1922.

Mondelez says its manufacturing facilities in Claremont and Burnie employ more than 700 Tasmanians.

Originally published as Cadbury jobs to go as it turns to further automation after 100 years operation