Nineteen people will lose their jobs when the Ōamaru branch of Goodman Fielder closes in June.

Irvines and Mackenzie pies, which are made at the company’s Ōamaru and Palmerston North sites, will no longer be sold.

Goodman Fielder New Zealand chief executive Bernard Duignan said the company had been hit hard by “significant cost increases including fuel, energy, labour, and raw ingredients”.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said he knew some of the employees, and they had worked at the site for a “very long time”. 

“Every job that is lost has a very individual impact on those involved. 

“It’s very disappointing for people who may have envisaged finishing their working lives in a business that they have given many years to, and are now having change thrust upon them.”

The company is consulting with employees over the decision, which is expected to result in the loss of 90 jobs in total.

Affected employees could be offered roles at other Goodman Fielder sites, while employees who are not able to be redeployed will receive redundancy entitlements and career support.

“We understand the impact these decisions have on our people, and our immediate priority is to ensure that they are supported through the process,” Mr Duignan said.