Manufacturing of Betta Milk, Pyengana milk brands will be relocated to Lenah Valley
Following Betta Milk and Pyengana joining the Bega Group in December, a decision has been made to close a Tasmanian manufacturing location. The reasons given for the decision.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has expressed his disappointment over the announcement that the Betta Milk and Pyengana factory in Burnie would be closing.
Following the acquisition of Betta Milk brands for TasFoods Limited in December, Bega Group CEO Pete Findlay said on Monday it would be relocating the manufacture of those brands to its existing Lenah Valley site in Hobart, with some work to continue at its Kings Meadows facility.
“Betta Milk has been a household name in Tasmania for over 65 years, and this move is critical to ensuring that the Betta Milk and the Pyengana milk brands will continue to be much-loved Tasmanian-made brands for many years to come,” Mr Findlay said.
“Today’s decision was not an easy one to make, and we are working hard to manage this change respectfully with all employees, suppliers, customers, and partners.
“Bega Group is committed to continuing its strong local presence in Tasmania, through its Lenah Valley and Kings Meadows operations, sourcing milk from Tasmanian dairy farming families.”
Mr Findlay said the closure of the Burnie site would affect 62 employees and that the company would offer redundancy packages and redeployment opportunities to the workers.
In response, Mr Rockliff said he was “very disappointed at the news today from Bega”.
“It is a real blow to the workers, their families, and the local community. I know this is a worrying time for all,” he said.
“I have contacted the company this morning to ensure they understand my concerns. State government assistance has been mobilised following the decision.
“A rapid response unit from the Department of State Growth has been dispatched to the state’s North-West to support those impacted.”
A State Growth spokesperson said workers impacted by the closure would be supported in finding new employment or re-training into new roles.
“Jobs Tasmania will engage with Bega to ensure impacted employees receive comprehensive support and information about their options to find new work.
“Jobs Tasmania has a range of supports that are available to connect workers to new job opportunities, including the Regional Jobs Hub Network and the Career Connector service.
“Further, the Rapid Response Skills Initiative through Jobs Tasmania will be delivered to ensure that impacted workers can access support immediately that will help them gain skills or licences to help them into a new role.
“The Rapid Response Skills Initiative provides up to $3000 per eligible individual to access training and skills that will help them move into other roles quickly.
Originally published as Manufacturing of Betta Milk, Pyengana milk brands will be relocated to Lenah Valley
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