Mill workers finding new jobs: Juken

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Most of the workers affected by the closure of Juken’s Gisborne mill have been supported into new jobs, Juken New Zealand managing director Hiroyuki Kawado says.

Late last year, Juken made the decision to stop production at the mill after almost 30 years of operations due to an unsustainable decline in offshore demand for its specialised wood products.

Before manufacturing operations ceased on December 22, Juken ran an employee support programme that included jobseeker workshops, as well as on-site meetings and interviews with prospective employers.

Mr Kawado said of the 85 people who were employed at the mill when the closure proposal was announced last October, 52 had new jobs as a direct result of Juken’s efforts to assist them into new employment.

“It’s a relief for me to know that so many of the mill’s team have new jobs.

“Many of them had been part of Juken for years, some for decades, so we felt a great sense of responsibility to them and their families.

“I’d like to recognise the excellent support provided by members of Juken’s executive and HR team, which has been personalised, respectful and empathetic, as noted in feedback from staff.

“They’re still helping members of the transition crew to find work, and will do so over coming weeks, alongside MSD (Ministry of Social Development), Eastland Careers and other local providers.”

Seventeen people  are still working at the mill as part of the transition crew responsible for maintaining the equipment and getting it ready for sale. Another four are awaiting the outcome of interviews (including one transition crew member); one worker has enrolled in full-time study; 12 have chosen to retire or not seek new employment.

Juken continues to seek a buyer for the mill, ideally as a going concern, ahead of its closure at the end of March.