Oringi Closure Sad Day for District

The closure of the PPCS Oringi meat plant is not only a blow to the staff but for the Tararua district, its Mayor Maureen Reynolds said yesterday.

“The council expresses its sympathy to all those who may now face redundancy,” she said.

However, the mayor emphasised that the company will not be making a final decision until May 27.

Meanwhile she is in discussion with agencies able to offer assistance and will meet today (Thursday) with Work and Income staff and representatives from the PPCS plant.

The council “was in preparation mode to work with employees”, Mrs Reynolds said.

On Tuesday, PPCS chief executive Keith Cooper delivered the news that many were dreading. That 466 workers were to lose their jobs.

About two thirds of the staff are from the Tararua district and for many it is the only job they have known.