The Australasian food manufacturer has confirmed 19 of the 90 job losses, announced yesterday, are at its Ayr St, Oamaru, plant.
Mr Kircher has expressed his deep disappointment at the decision, which he has laid at the feet of the country’s major food manufacturing and retailing sectors.
"It is a victim of big corporates and the supermarket duopoly, so, very disappointing," Mr Kircher said.
Goodman Fielder has announced it is discontinuing its Irvines and MacKenzie pies from June, bringing a loss of 90 jobs at its Palmerston North and Oamaru factories.
The manufacturer blamed the job cuts on cost increases.
Mr Kircher told the Oamaru Mail he "really felt" for those losing their jobs.
"It is really disappointing ... when many staff have been very loyal over many years and [are] being pushed into a very uncertain position."
First Union general secretary Dennis Maga said the job losses meant the Oamaru factory would close.
"We are really saddened," Mr Maga said.
"We are working with our members and clarifying with the company about this redundancy process."
Goodman Fielder New Zealand chief executive Bernard Duignan listed the cost increases he said had led to the decision.
"Like many businesses across New Zealand, we have been hit hard by significant cost increases, including fuel, energy, labour and raw ingredients," Mr Duignan said.
Affected employees could be offered roles at other Goodman Fielder sites.
Employees who were not able to be redeployed would receive redundancy entitlements and career support, he said.
There could be jobs for the redundant employees in Oamaru, Mr Kircher said.
"We know we have job vacancies in our food production businesses.
"I am sure there will be places, especially for people who have worked there for decades."
By Jules Chin
