Mayor responds to news of Mars Petcare relocation

Published on 01 October 2019

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Whanganui District Council Mayor Hamish McDouall says news of a proposal to close Mars Petcare’s Whanganui factory is sad for the district but may offer potential for a future new development.

Mayor McDouall says Mars Petcare has announced it is looking at relocating its local operations to Thailand and closing its Whanganui factory by the end of 2020.

He says, “My first thought is for those staff members and families affected by this news. The Whiskas factory has played a significant role in Whanganui’s recent history, both as an employer and as a contributor in our community.

“Rest assured, Whanganui District Council is ready and willing to work alongside Mars Petcare and its employees as options are assessed and futures considered.”

Mark Ward, Chief Executive of Whanganui’s economic development agency, Whanganui & Partners, says “First and foremost our response will be around providing ongoing support to staff. There are certainly roles available in Whanganui and from a career perspective, some exciting educational opportunities.”

Mr Ward says, “The early notice of this proposal is helpful. Twelve months gives us time to work with people and I’m confident we can support them in terms of their careers within this timeframe.” 

Mayor McDouall says, ““Whanganui has seen strong population and economic growth recently and our prospects are looking very positive.

“The scale of growth in its overseas markets may have proven too much of a lure for this company and that is a reality that comes with our globalised economy.

“At the same time though, technological innovation and connectivity means we are developing considerable leadership here in niche product development and manufacturing - and we have the skilled and stable workforce and resources to get new initiatives off the ground.”

He says, “With the planned revitalisation of Whanganui’s port, this proposed departure could open up a prime opportunity for an ambitious enterprise to make the move to Whanganui.”