Gardenia’s decision comes after similar moves by other food and beverage manufacturers.
In March, home-grown beverage company Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s) announced it would lay off 25 employees at its Senoko facility as it shifts can manufacturing operations to Malaysia, in a bid to “optimise capacity utilisation and strengthen overall manufacturing efficiency across its network”.
The company said Singapore would continue to serve as its headquarters, cross-border logistics hub and smaller-scale manufacturing centre.
Separately, Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore, which brews Tiger Beer, said it would cut about 130 roles as it shifts production to other regional markets such as Malaysia and Vietnam.
The Tuas facility is expected to be redeveloped over time to focus on logistics and innovation functions.
On Wednesday, Gardenia said that the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) was informed in advance.
“This enabled the union to quickly mobilise support such as training, job placement assistance, and discussions on fair retrenchment terms. FDAWU was also able to quickly tap on its network of unionised partners to identify suitable vacancies for affected workers,” it added.
