Job cuts are again hitting home in Wairarapa. Coca-Cola Amatil corporate affairs manager Aimee Driscoll said yesterday the VMSL (Vending Management Services Ltd) vending machine company in Norfolk Road, which the transnational giant bought in 2002, has not performed as hoped. It is understood that two management positions were both vacated lastweek and that four production workers are set to lose their jobs in the midst of an ongoing review of all employees at the site. Acting general manager Andrew Kerr said the Masterton company is "working through some changes" and that about 30 people are now employed at the site. Mr Kerr said labour laws prevented him from commenting further on the number of positions that may yet be cut at VMSL. Ms Driscoll said Coca-Cola Amatil seven years ago bought VMSL from the Marconi firm "to prevent the company going into receivership". The parent company "was and is still" the largest customer of VMSL and represents 80 per cent of business for the Masterton firm, she said. "VMSL was given the opportunity over the past seven years to expand its business internationally and regrettably it has proved unable to do so in any material way," she said. "We are working closely with our team to work through the impact of this decision. None of the decisions have been made without serious considerations on the impact on our team and their families. "The good news is that CCA remains committed to VMSL and while some restructuring will occur, VMSL will remain a fundamental supplier to CCA. Ms Driscoll said employees are being consulted "and will receive their full entitlements". Ms Driscoll would not confirm any job cuts already made or the number of workers yet to lose their jobs. The cuts at VMSL come in the wake of other job losses in Wairarapa including Bouzaid and Ballaben in Greytown and a Pahiatua sub-branch in May with 80 laid off and at Whittaker Sawmilling in Masterton in April where 25 workers lost their jobs. Two jobs were also cut in May at the Trust House distribution center in Masterton with two other positions at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway also in the line of fire.
