EMPLOYEES in the packing department at Mrs Mac’s in Morley will face redundancies as a result of the manufacturer’s move to automated packaging.
The WA family-owned manufacturer announced today that it has invested in a new automated packing equipment – the first in the WA food manufacturing sector to make the move.
Since 1954, Mrs Mac’s has produced more than 100 million pies, sausage rolls, quiches and pasties each year in Australia and overseas.
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The new equipment is expected to be fully operational in early 2020.
Chief executive Paul Slaughter said the multi-million investment would complete a series of recent investments to improve and automate the company’s total manufacturing process.
“Regrettably, redundancies are anticipated in our packing departments as a result of this investment,” he said.
“In line with our core values, we are making this announcement and commencing a consultation process with employees as early as possible.
“At this stage, no decisions have been made on specific redundancies.
“We are strongly committed to providing employees with redeployment and re-training options, which will form a key element of the consultation process to meet our goal of 100 per cent re-employment of all employees who may be impacted.
“This investment enables Mrs Mac’s to be competitive in the national and international markets, retains the business in Western Australia, and safeguards a significant number of jobs for West Australians both directly and indirectly.”
Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson said she was “deeply disappointed” with the decision to move to automated packing over local jobs.
“I feel for the workers and their families, it is a very stressful time,” she said.
“I will be working with Mrs Mac’s and relevant unions to ensure the best outcomes for our local employees.”