Closure announced
Cigarettes production line in a tobacco factory
Imperial Tobacco plans to close its Petone factory in New Zealand, citing falling demand, reports the NZ Herald.
“Globally consumer demand for our product has declined, so the proposal to close our Petone cigarette factory is necessary for the future of our business,” said Kirsten Daggar-Nickson, head of corporate and legal affairs for Imperial Brands.
“In markets like New Zealand, that future is next generation products. So we’re transitioning our business, product line and distribution channels to offer these products to smokers that want to transition to a healthier alternative, and we successfully launched an electronic cigarette MyBlu in the New Zealand market last year.”
The factory closure puts 122 jobs at risk. Imperial Tobacco has entered a consultation process with its employees.