Multi-national dairy processor Saputo Dairy has announced its plans to close its King Island Dairy next year with the loss of almost 60 local jobs.
Saputo says the decision has been made to strengthen its competitiveness in changing industry and market conditions.
The company says it has invested more than $40 million in the North-West over the past five years, allowing brands like Mersey Valley and Heritage to thrive and it will continue to invest in Tasmania.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the State Government is working with Saputo to fine a new operator for King Island.
Meanwhile, today marks 13 weeks wince maintenance workers employed at Saputo’s Burnie facility went on strike over a wage parity dispute.
The striking workers say they are being paid 23 per cent less than workers at multiple Saputo sites in regional Victoria doing the same jobs.
Unions supporting the striking workers have called for a national supermarket boycott of Saputo products, including Mersey Valley, South Cape and Tasmanian Heritage cheeses.
