BAT to downscale in Paarl factory
2005-12-08
THE Paarl factory of British American Tobacco is to be downscaled over the next year, affecting 112 of the just over 300 employees.
On 22 September this year all employees at the Paarl factory were informed in writing of the company’s intention to enter into consultation with employees with a view to down-scale the operations at the factory.
The decision to review the Paarl operations resulted from a significant expansion of their much larger and more modern factory in Heidelberg (Gauteng) and more efficient utilisation of their manufacturing capabilities.
There are currently no plans to close the Paarl factory.
The scaling down will entail the closing of the primary manufacturing department and the scaling down of one of the two secondary manufacturing departments, said André Martin, Corporate Affairs Manager.
It is envisaged that the scaling down will be completed by early 2007.
“Employees were invited to appoint representatives to enter into consultations with the company. This first phase of the consultation process was completed in October and the in-principle decision to downscale was agreed upon.
“The second phase of the consultations is now underway with a view to finalising the details of the downscale. It is envisaged that about 112 of the more than 300 employees from all levels will be affected.
“The finalisation of consultations will include consideration of several options available to affected employees and may include early retirement and redeployment.
“BAT South Africa is following a process that is inclusive and transparent and every effort will be made to minimise the impact on affected employees,” said Martin.
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