The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has announced that 80 workers have lost their jobs as production halts at the Rosella factory in western Sydney's Seven Hills.
The company's owner Gourmet Food Holdings went into receivership in November. The group's other interests included Auckland-based organic soups and pre-made meals maker Pitango, and crispbreads and cracker maker Waterwheel, based in Dandenong, Victoria.
In February, Green's General Foods announced that it had acquired Waterwheel, taking on the majority of the subsidiary's staff.
A spokesman from the receiver Ferrier Hodgson confirmed the Rosella factory shut down, putting the number of workers affected at 70.
"The loss of jobs is disappointing but unavoidable due to the scale of losses the business was sustaining on a weekly basis," said Jim Sarantinos of Ferrier Hodgson.
Ferrier Hodgson will now turn to selling the Rosella group brands, including Rosella, Aristocrat, Blue Banner, Galiko, Stromboli and The Curry Makers. Interested parties have until close of business Monday to come forward.
Shadow Industry Minister Sophie Mirabella said it was terrible news for the families of those who will be impacted and further evidence the manufacturing crisis is deepening.
"Australian manufacturers are already under serious pressure from a range of factors, yet the Prime Minister [Julia Gillard] seems intent on slugging them with new taxes and more regulation," she said in a statement.
