Alliance Group closes Smithfield meat processing plant in Timaru, NZ, resulting in 600 job losses.

Alliance Group has announced the closure of its Smithfield meat processing plant in Timaru, New Zealand, resulting in the loss of approximately 600 jobs. The shutdown, attributed to declining sheep processing numbers due to land-use changes, follows a consultation period with staff and unions. Affected employees will receive payments per their agreements, and opportunities for redeployment at other facilities will be offered, though most will likely be made redundant.