New Zealand-owned stationery company Candida Stationery is considering closing its New Zealand manufacturing operations after five decades in business, putting more than 100 jobs at risk.
According to a report by Stuff, the Auckland-based company, which has been operating since 1976, is a major supplier of envelopes and also has branches in Melbourne and Sydney.
Director Raymond Goubitz said the company’s future in New Zealand was being reconsidered after the owner of its Mairangi Bay warehouse told the business the property was going to be sold.
“As a result, Candida is considering a proposal to wind up the New Zealand manufacturing company with effect from or about November,” he said, as quoted by Stuff.
Goubitz said the company was facing the same economic pressures affecting many businesses.
“Many New Zealand businesses are grappling with increasing costs and challenging domestic and international economic headwinds - Candida is no different, Stuff has quoted.
“This is an unsettling time for our team, and our priority is supporting our staff through this period,” as quoted by Stuff.
Candida has begun a formal consultation process with its employees, with a final decision yet to be made.
Goubitz said the company could not provide further details while the consultation process was underway.
According to a Stuff report, the company employs about 115 people across its New Zealand and Australian operations. Candida has built its business around the manufacture and supply of stationery products, particularly envelopes, since being established in Auckland 50 years ago.
The company says its focus remains on product quality, customer service and improving its operations.
“Our commitment to delivering only the highest quality products and service means we are always looking for ways to improve and grow as a business,” it says, as quoted by Stuff.
Candida also highlights its environmental practices, saying:
“We recycle everything we can and have done since 1976,” Stuff has quoted.
If the proposal proceeds, the closure would mark the end of Candida’s New Zealand manufacturing operations after about 50 years in the country.