CCA expands juice production, sheds 28 jobs in SA

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) will transfer bottling and packaging operations for its Goulburn Valley and Crusta ranges from its Ramco facility in rural South Australia to its Thebarton facility in Adelaide.

The move will see the company invest $2.9 million in the Adelaide facility and make 28 positions from the Ramco facility redundant. CCA says the decision was made as part of a national focus to improve supply chain cost-efficiency.

These 28 employees will be offered the opportunity to work at other CCA facilities across Australia as positions become available. CCA says it will also assist with outplacement.

“We are working with employees and union officials to ensure a smooth transition is achieved over the coming months,” said CCA SA State General Manager Martin Cowley.

CCA will continue to source fruit for its products from local Riverland growers. CCA says the changes will not impact on the growers.

“Ensuring cost-effective operations are crucial to CCA’s future ability to continue to sustain its juice business. Without these changes, juice production for CCA would be uncompetitive,” said CCA Supply Chain Director Bruce Herbert.

“We are not closing down or moving our juice operations offshore, nor are we turning to overseas fruit or juice for our brands. We are instead maintaining our entire fruit juice production within South Australia.”

Cowley said that CCA has a long history of investment in the state, and the new investment will be welcomed by South Australians.