SINGAPORE – Bread manufacturer Gardenia Foods will retrench 141 employees at its manufacturing facility in Pandan Loop after announcing on May 20 that it is shifting its bakery production to Johor Bahru.
“The move is part of Gardenia’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and maintain competitiveness amid an increasingly challenging global environment,” the company said in a statement.
Production at the manufacturing facility will cease on June 30, it added. The affected workers’ last work day is on June 30.
The Singapore factory will remain its headquarters, overseeing functions such as brand management, product development, daily distribution and supply chain operations.
When The Straits Times arrived at the Pandan Loop factory at about 1.20pm, a receptionist at the front counter declined to comment.
At around 1.45pm, employees – some wearing Gardenia polo T-shirts – were seen entering the factory and heading to the second floor. Three people approached by ST declined to comment.
Gardenia said in its statement that it informed employees at an internal meeting on the morning of May 20, and that affected staff will receive the appropriate notice period and support in line with local regulations and guidelines.
The company is also considering eligible employees for suitable roles within its network of operations where possible.
After the exercise, Gardenia will still have 250 employees in Singapore, which will remain its headquarters for key functions, it said.