Fierce foreign competition in the offshore fishing industry is threatening 200 jobs at the processing plant of Independent Fisheries Ltd, a privately-owned Christchurch company.
Independent's general manager, Mark Allison, said in a statement yesterday the review of its Woolston processing facilities is ''for the possible closure of the plant'', affecting about 200 jobs''The move was the result of fierce competition in the market, from mainly Asian-sourced processed fish products of similar quality at much lower prices. This caused a sharp decline in sales over the last three years,'' he said.
Independent, which does not use any Port Otago facilities, is expected to make a decision public by November 8, following staff consultation.
Mr Allison said the issue was the intense competition from heavily discounted foreign-sourced product in Independent's key markets.
Its Woolston plant produces crumbed and battered fish products. Mr Allison said other parts of the company would not be affected by the review. According to Independent's website, they includes deep-sea fishing vessels, bunkering facilities, and provedoring services for Antarctic expeditions, cruise ships, naval vessels and luxury yachts.
