State Government to work with Simplot Australia to assist employees affected by closure of Manjimup plant

2/7/99

The State Government would work with Simplot Australia to assist employees affected by the closure of the company's Manjimup potato processing plant and to support the broader horticultural industry, Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan and Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today.
This follows advice from the company that its plant will close on August 31, at the completion of the present season with the loss of more than 100 jobs.
Mr Cowan said he had been advised that the Manjimup plant was operating at only 50 per cent capacity and indications were that the domestic and international market outlook was not favourable.
"I will raise the closure of Simplot's Manjimup facilities in Cabinet on Monday and the Minister for Primary Industry will meet directly with Simplot executives in Melbourne on Friday", Mr Cowan said.
"I am confident the Government will be able to match the company's contribution towards a feasibility study into alternative horticultural production options in the area."
Mr House said it was important that the future of the broader horticultural production and processing industry was addressed in the wake of the Manjimup plant closure.
He said that as well as supplementing the proposed grower fund, further assistance from the resources of the Commerce and Trade, Primary Industry; Regional Development and Small Business portfolio areas would be explored.
"We will also ensure that the company's agreed redundancy process and financial and counselling services are complemented by the Government", Mr House said.

Media contact: Peter Jackson (Mr Cowan's office) 9222-9595
Julie Cole (Mr House's office) 9481-2044