Help for bottlers after Coke shuts plant

The SA government says it will help workers at Coca-Cola's Adelaide bottling plant plan their next steps after learning they will lose their jobs by 2019.

The Coca Cola Amatil factory in Thebarton Adelaide

Coca-Cola staff in Adelaide are set to return to work after learning they will lose their jobs. (AAP)

Coca Cola and the South Australian government have put together a $720,000 assistance package for workers who will lose their jobs as the company winds down its Adelaide bottling plant.

The company will contribute about $450,000 and the government $270,000 to provide up to $4000 in assistance to each of the 180 staff.

The money will help fund career advice, training, financial advice and health and wellbeing services.

A transition centre for workers looking to access the assistance will also be set up at Coca Cola Amatil's Thebarton plant, which will close by 2019.

Employment Minister Kyam Maher met with workers on Thursday and said the transition to new jobs would be difficult for some.

"Some have been here as long as 45 years," he said.

"We made if very clear the state government will stand with the workers."

CC Amatil announced on Wednesday its plans to close the Adelaide bottling lines, taking criticism for not consulting with workers, unions or the state government before making the decision.

The company blamed the limited expansion opportunities at the inner-city site, dated infrastructure and expensive logistics for its move.

At the same time it said it would spend $90 million on new facilities at Richlands in Queensland, while other manufacturing activities would move to WA, Victoria and NSW.

Despite the SA closure, Mr Maher said food and beverage manufacturing had a bright future in SA.

He said another company had already contacted the government asking to be put in touch with Coca Cola workers.


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Source: AAP



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