Schneider sends jobs overseas

Schneider Electric is moving its light-switch and power-plug manufacturing from Christchurch to factories overseas, with the loss of 50 local jobs.

In 2001 the French multinational company entered the New Zealand market by buying PDL Industries, which was founded by the late Sir Robertson Stewart and at its height employed about 2000 people.

Schneider paid $97 million for the company, establishing a fortune for the next Stewart generation.

The value included the intellectual property and die casting, with Schneider downsizing operations, selling the large PDL premises at Hazeldean Rd, and moving to Moncur Pl, Addington.

The Moncur Pl factory will be closed over the next six to nine months. Staff were informed after a month-long ‘‘consultation’’.

‘‘We gave careful consideration and thorough investigation to all the feedback we received during the consultation, but have made the decision to cease manufacturing operations,’’ Ray Dunn, New Zealand country president for Schneider said.

‘‘We will work with staff to identify other areas of the organisation where they may be interested in working.

‘‘We are committed to providing a comprehensive support package to our staff through our human resources team.

‘‘Schneider Electric is also working with its supporting union, E tu¯ , who were an integral part of the consultation and will continue to be part of the staged shutdown.’’

E tu¯ said it was ‘‘extremely concerned’’ to see another local manufacturer shutting up shop and heading overseas.

Schneider Electric will shift the light-switch and power-plugs operations to Australia and Vietnam.

‘‘These are quality fittings and they’ve been very popular for many years. They’re in most New Zealand homes and would be instantly recognisable to most Kiwis,’’ E tu¯ industry co-ordinator Phil Knight said.

Knight said a number of workers had been with the firm since its days as PDL, with one long-serving staffer hitting 42 years on the job.

‘‘This is a workforce that’s very much a big family. They’re proud of their product and also very sad to bid farewell to their workmates and friends.’’

The announcement comes weeks after ABCorp announced it was closing its Christchurch plastic card factory and also relocating abroad.

‘‘We’ve seen a string of these closures, and every time it’s a blow for our members and the economy,’’ Knight said.

‘‘The official line is there’s a buoyant job market out there, but manufacturing jobs like these have provided secure, well-paid, permanent, full-time jobs. These are now a relative rarity.

‘‘However, these workers do have skills and good work records that would be of interest to any employer in any number of industries.’’