Hastings McCain vegetable factory to shut in 2027, jobs at risk

The McCain factory on Omahu Rd, Hastings, is set to close in 2027. Photo / Google Maps

A McCain vegetable processing plant in Hastings will close in 2027.

The Omahu Rd, Twyford, factory processed more than 50,000 tonnes of vegetables annually, including peas, beans, sweetcorn and carrots.

A source told Hawke’s Bay Today that staff were told not to come to work on Monday, then were told on Tuesday of the closure.

“I just don’t like the way this was done. It was so sudden, very little warning,” the source said.

McCain New Zealand is part of the global company McCain Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen fries and speciality potato products. The Hastings site was bought by McCain in 1996 when it acquired Grower Foods.

A McCain spokesperson said the Hawke’s Bay plant would close at the conclusion of this year’s processing and packing season, which was expected to end by January 31, 2027.

“The decision follows a strategic review of our Hastings operations and reflects a shift in how McCain will supply its vegetable portfolio within Australia and New Zealand,” the spokesperson said.

“After carefully considering a range of options, we determined that transitioning to a different supply model is the most responsible path forward and best supports the long-term vision of our organisation.

“McCain is currently consulting with all employees whose roles would be affected by the planned closure.”

The spokesperson said roles at the site would be affected as operations wound down but would not say how many are at risk.

“McCain is consulting and communicating directly with affected employees whose roles may be impacted by providing them with all relevant information about the planned closure, and is also providing dedicated transition assistance, career support, and access to wellbeing services.”

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said it was “incredibly disappointing” to hear the plant was closing.

“Decisions like this are complex and often driven by global factors, but the consequences are felt locally.”

She said it was another blow for the district and wider region as it comes soon after a Heinz Wattie’s announcement to cut jobs in Hastings.

“When we see two major processors impacted like this, it also highlights a bigger challenge for regions like ours. The cost of producing, processing and getting goods to market is rising, and energy is a big part of that.”

Schollum said for Hastings to remain strong, the district needed to look at its economic and energy resilience, including securing affordable and reliable energy long term.

Labour jobs and income spokeswoman Ginny Andersen said the factory’s impending closure was another blow for workers and the Hawke’s Bay community.

“The Government has added another massive failure to its record. The closure will hit workers, their families and the Hawke’s Bay community hard,” Andersen said.

“This is not a one-off event at one company; this is part of a broader pattern of closures affecting thousands of jobs across the manufacturing sector under Christopher Luxon’s watch.”

Andersen said business liquidations were at a 15-year high.

“Each one of those jobs lost is a family struggling to pay the bills or a loved one moving to Australia.”

Earlier this month, Heinz Wattie’s proposed to discontinue the sale and production of its frozen vegetables and other products. The move would impact 350 roles nationwide, including 50 at the company’s Hastings plant on King St.

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.