SINGAPORE: Food processing and packaging company Tetra Pak will be closing its plant in Jurong, a move that will affect about 300 employees based in Singapore, mainly in manufacturing.

       The company said on Tuesday it was consolidating its Singapore-based packaging material production into its other factories in the region, a response in part to “changing market dynamics”.

       The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), which Tetra Pak workers are unionised under in Singapore, said the company has been working closely with it to assist affected workers, who will receive retrenchment support packages in line with unionised norms.

       The union and Tetra Pak have a good longstanding labour management relationship dating back to 1993, said FDAWU, adding that through their discussions, they “were able to align on better retrenchment support packages for affected workers”.

       In response to queries from The Straits Times, Tetra Pak said it remains committed to the Singapore market and will maintain an office here that handles functions such as business management, human resources and marketing.

       A Tetra Pak spokesman said: “We will be moving to a new, well-connected and accessible location in Singapore.

       “Singapore will continue to host one of our largest offices in the Asia-Pacific, with a capacity of up to 250 people.”

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       The spokesman added: “We understand and recognise that this is not easy for our employees. The company has weighed every option to create the best social package for them.

       “Further details and the package terms according to roles and positions will be provided, one on one, between each employee and the HR team.”

       The Tetra Pak Packaging Materials factory in Jurong started operations in 1982, supplying customers in Singapore and serving as an export base. — The Straits Times/ANN