The ODT understands a decision will be made on the future of both outlets by August 16.
Alliance NZ sales general manager John Skurr confirmed yesterday they were looking at "adjustments" to the scope of their Pukeuri and Smithfield retail outlets.
This included "potentially closing" both operations.
"We’re always looking for ways to improve efficiencies — extracting more value for our products for minimum cost and focusing more on our core business."
That review was ultimately about strengthening the company as a business for its shareholders and those who worked there.
"With that in mind, we’ve started consulting with our two butcher shop teams in Smithfield (Timaru) and Pukeuri (Oamaru) about potentially closing our face-to-face retail operations," Mr Skurr said.
If the proposal went ahead, it would have implications for how Alliance managed its online meat sales locally, via its online Pure South Shop outlet.
"While we still remain committed to the Pure South Shop, we are exploring other ways to continue to deliver an effective online delivery service," Mr Skurr said.
"At this stage, no decisions have been made.
"Our immediate priority is to ensure a fair and respectful process for our affected team members."
But the review of the butcher shops was not a signal that Alliance was not reconsidering the future of their processing sites at both locations.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I want to be clear that both Smithfield and Pukeuri remain integral to our processing network," Mr Skurr said.
- By Brendon McMahon
