Cussons to close

SOAPMAKER PZ Cussons is shutting the doors on its Dandenong plant, leaving 92 staff without a job.
The Dandenong factory will lose 81 jobs and a restructure at the Mulgrave headquarters will see another 11 people go.
Manufacturing at Dandenong will cease on 31 July, with some operations shifting interstate and the remainder overseas.
PZ Cussons is part of the UK-based PZ Cussons Group and is the manufacturer of recognisable brands like Radiant, Morning Fresh, Duo and Imperial Leather.
Managing director Chris How said details of the closure of manufacturing operations were still being determined.
“This has been a very difficult decision and certainly not one we have taken lightly,” he said.
“It is not a reflection of the effort or contribution of our employees, it is a decision that reflects the challenging economic and competitive environment.
“Unfortunately, it is no longer viable to continue the current structure of our manufacturing operations.”
In its interim half-year report of Cussons’ UK parent, the company highlighted challenging trading conditions in Australia. Measures were being implemented to address the underperformance of the business.
PZ Cussons started manufacturing in Australia in 1977 and the Dandenong plant opened in 1988, manufacturing powders and liquids.
Mr How said PZ Cussons would work with staff affected by providing counselling, job search services and retirement planning.