Thousands of workers at the Langeberg and Ashton Foods canning factory is awaiting news to see if their jobs will be safe for another harvesting season.
Almost two years ago the factory told employees it would close its doors, leaving hundreds of families in the Langeberg area without an income.
In a turnaround decision announced last year, Tiger Brands, owner of the facilities, said it will remain open for another season and re-evaluate the possibilities.
In a statement released in July 2022, the factory stated there were possible investors and companies looking to buy the factory, but at this stage it was unclear if any deals were clinched.
Jacques Jordaan, CEO of the Canning Fruit Producer’s Association, told the media he and many farmers and workers in the area were relieved when Tiger Brands made the decision to remain open for the time being. As the season almost comes to a close, he is once again hopeful.
“The last peaches of the 2023 season should be delivered to the factory any day now and the clock is ticking,” he told Gazette. “During May/June, orders for the 2024 tinplates need to be placed. At this stage the weaker rand is supporting the exports of this business and the company also reported good financial results last year.”
The newspaper reached out to Tiger Brands to enquire about the process moving forward. “The sale process,” Werna Oberholzer, spokesperson at the company, said, “first commenced in 2020 and has been reopened, and the company continues to assess all options to enable the continued operation of the Langeberg and Ashton Foods business in a sustainable manner in the interest of all stakeholders.”
As the uncertainty can be felt in Ashton there are those who are hopeful. Marius Bakkies, a worker at the factory, told Gazette he is positive the factory will remain afloat.
“We had a good season and everybody was in good spirits,” he said. “We truly hope someone will buy the factory, as it is the heartbeat of this community. Thousands of people will be jobless if the decision is made to close down. We play an important part in the production process. We all continue to pray for a positive outcome.”
