SAD TO SEE ANY BUSINESS LEAVE TASMANIA
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson says it was regrettable that Tasmanian poppy processing company TPI Enterprises has decided to relocate its manufacturing base to Victoria.
“I don’t like to see any business leave Tasmania but I understand that this has been a commercial decision,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
Mr Hutchinson was commenting on news this afternoon that TPI managing director Jarrod Ritchie has decided to relocate the company’s processing plant to Victoria.
Mr Ritchie says that the move will enable an expansion in the business and certainty about filling contracts.
Mr Hutchinson said that the potential loss of jobs from the Cressy-based company was worrying.
“We can’t afford to lose any jobs from the agriculture sector in rural Tasmania,’’ he said.
But Mr Hutchinson said that it was also a time to reflect that TPI had antagonised many in the industry including its own suppliers when the company sought and received support from the previous State Labor Government to import poppy straw from Europe.
“It’s important to remember that the knowledge and expertise that Tasmanian producers have will remain a competitive advantage for the State and reinforces the importance of continuing to support the roll-out of irrigation schemes in Tasmania,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson
