Bell Bay Aluminium to shed 20 jobs as Tasmanian plant continues to fight for survival

ROCK-bottom aluminium prices have prompted Bell Bay Aluminium to shed 20 jobs from its pot lines in northern Tasmania.

General manager Ray Mostogl said a restructure to improve the plant’s viability would reduce the smelter’s workforce from 453 to 433.

Mr Mostogl said the aluminium market would remain tough for some time and the smelter was locked in a continuing battle for survival.

“Bell Bay Aluminium has worked co-operatively with employees, contractors, many suppliers and local industry groups to achieve its best record production levels and significant costs savings during the past two years,’’ he said.

“While the recent easing of exchange rates has provided some relief, the more significant decline in the commodity price and higher costs of production in Tasmania has forced Bell Bay Aluminium to seek further cost savings to strive to be sustainable.’’

Mr Mostogl said the affected employees would be offered alternative roles or redundancies.

“This is a difficult time for our workforce, their families and the northern Tasmanian community, but we will ensure that all impacted employees are treated with dignity and respect and given appropriate support.

“Employees will receive their full entitlements and we will work with impacted employees to endeavour to identify alternative employment opportunities at the smelter.’’

Bell Bay Aluminium, near George Town, directly and indirectly employs more than a thousand Tasmanians, contributes $690 million to Tasmania’s Gross State Product and last year spent $247 million on goods and services from 326 Tasmanian suppliers.