More than 30 workers at the Gregg’s coffee factory in Dunedin will have access to a year of free tuition as they prepare for job losses following the factory’s upcoming closure. The site, operated by Heinz Wattie’s, is scheduled to cease production in the first half of August, affecting 36 employees.

The closure was announced in March alongside the shutdown of other manufacturing sites in Auckland, Christchurch, and frozen packing lines in Hastings. The Dunedin factory has been a local fixture since 1862.

Otago Polytechnic is offering free study opportunities for a full year to the Gregg’s workers to assist in their transition to new careers. Mark Cartwright, deputy executive director of industry training and innovation at the polytechnic, described the offer as a straightforward way to support the community and provide options amid significant job losses.

“We want to help the community and this was a perfect opportunity to do it,” Cartwright said, noting the institution’s previous involvement in aiding workers affected by factory closures, such as at Cadbury’s.

Cartwright explained that redundancies often prompt people to reconsider their career paths and explore new industries. Although no Gregg’s employees had formally enrolled in courses at the time of the announcement, several had arranged campus tours to explore possibilities. Eligible courses include creative design, fashion, engineering, and information technology, with some workers potentially able to begin retraining as early as July, as semester two enrolments remain open.

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD), in coordination with Inland Revenue Te Tari Taake, also organized three information sessions for the affected workers. The sessions focused on financial support, job-seeking strategies, and next steps. Additionally, employees were connected directly with potential employers, including Silver Fern Farms, Kaan’s Catering Supplies, Fonterra, Donaghys, and Corrections.

Gregg’s site manager Kerryn Sheen expressed appreciation for the range of support provided during the transition period. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Heinz Wattie’s confirmed the company was managing customer demands as the factory moves toward full closure.

As the community prepares for the factory’s shutdown, local organizations and government agencies are coordinating efforts to ease the impact on employees and support their reemployment and retraining opportunities.