Tokoroa Plywood Plant to Close, Leaving Workers in Uncertainty

The plywood plant in Tokoroa will officially close its doors in November 2023, as confirmed by company officials during an announcement to employees this afternoon. This decision follows a period of uncertainty, during which the plant’s future was under review after consultations began two weeks ago regarding its potential closure.

A delegate from the local union shared this news with RNZ, noting that a small number of workers will remain employed to process imported timber. As the news spreads, concerns are growing among the local community about the impact of this closure, particularly given that most of the factory’s workforce consists of local residents.

Local business owner Larry Sullivan, who operates Morrissey’s clothing store, expressed his sympathy for the affected workers. He highlighted the sense of community that has emerged during this challenging time. “Everybody is sort of worried about individuals,” he remarked. “You keep reeling off names when there’s a few guys standing around at the pub, ‘how’s this guy getting on’, ‘how’s that guy getting on’.”

Sullivan emphasized the importance of mutual support among community members, stating, “So yeah, a lot of caring I think, and yeah, it’s just one punch after the other sort of thing at the moment.” This reflects the broader sentiment among residents as they navigate the emotional and economic repercussions of the plant’s closure.

As the situation unfolds, local leaders and community members will likely seek ways to support those impacted by the job losses. The closure of the Tokoroa plywood plant not only represents a significant economic shift but also poses challenges for many families who depend on the factory for their livelihoods.