Murphy Roberts
Swartland Investments is addressing recent speculation regarding the alleged closure of its operations in Atlantis.
CEO Craig Bradfield said despite undergoing a restructuring process, that no job losses are anticipated at this stage.
Bradfield explained that as part of a broader strategic initiative, Swartland Investments is undergoing a restructuring process to enhance operational resilience and support long-term growth in a challenging economic environment.
WeskusNuus reached out to the multi-faceted building supplies manufacturer after being alerted by concerned workers that job losses and closure of plants are planned. Bradfield said that the restructuring process is being conducted in a structured and responsible manner, with the focus op sustainability and efficiency. He added that the current measures under consideration include the consolidation of wood production processes and the possible relocation of certain functions to optimise asset utilisation. Workers said that rumors went around that many of them might loose their work as Swartland are currently employing thousand of workers. Bradfield said they recognise concerns about potential job impacts and wish to clarify that no job losses are anticipated at this stage, he emphasized.
“Retaining employment remains a key priority for us, and we are actively engaging with trade unions and employee representatives to explore all available options to prevent retrenchments, he säid.” Bradfield said that should cost-saving initiatives not achieve the intended outcomes, further measures, including potential retrenchments, may need to be considered but would be the last resort. Workers said that they don’t know what to believe anymore and asked not to be named. One worker said that they heard from a reliable source inside that many will lose their work. The worker said that traveling might become a problem should plants be moved. WeskusNuus were also informed that retrenchment packages are already op the table but this was not confirmed or denied by Swartland. Bradfield said they remain committed to transparent and timely communication with all stakeholders as this process evolves. He said together with the parent company Catapult Group they view the spreading of such misinformation with serious concern and reserve all legal rights to protect the group’s reputation.
