Some 226 workers lost their jobs as a result of yesterday’s closure of J. Wray & Nephew Limited’s operations at its Holland Estate and Casa Marantha in St Elizabeth, a decision the company said was a result of ongoing economic losses caused by the combined effect of escalating operational costs and the declining cost of sugar.
“This doesn’t in any way, shape, or form signal any exiting from sugar. We’re simply dealing with this area, which is least productive, most costly, most challenging and difficult for us when we did a broad-scale analysis to make that change to cauterise the losses. That, simply, is it,” chairman Clement ‘Jimmy’ Lawrence told The Gleaner.
He explained that the company remained committed to the sugar cane industry as evidenced by its recent multimillion-dollar upgrade of the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience in St Elizabeth.
“The Appleton Estate is part of our brand story, so that is a given, but we were forced to make these adjustments just simply because of the challenging economic realities,” said Lawrence.
He said that the company’s commitment extends to the welfare of the affected workers who served J. Wray & Nephew Limited well and did everything that was asked of them to improve operational efficiencies at both locations.
Lawrence explained: “We had a very good meeting with the staff and the union. It went very well. We outlined all of the support we are giving to our employees, and I think it was very well received. We really went out there to make sure that we treat our people well because they have really done our bidding in terms of programmes, the activities, and changes that we made to try to improve on our efficiency and operations. It was the very least that we could do, and we are very pleased that it was well received.”
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