A looming closure of the Whakatāne Mill is being described as a "devastating blow" as residents now worry about the futures of the 210 workers facing job losses. "In many cases the wood processing sectors receive significant subsidies from their governments which makes competitive production in New Zealand a significant challenge. "Any job losses are distressing and my thoughts are with the affected workers and their families. Coffey said there was definitely a future for wood processing in the Whakatāne area. "There is a long-term trend in wood processing towards consolidation around a smaller number of larger mills that continuously invest in technology, automation and scale.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 24, 2021 04:52 UTC