Some of the people who left took voluntary redundancy packages.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union has been talking to its members at the site, which also produces Unilever's Continental brand products.
The union said more than 10 positions were at risk initially but last week it was advised there would be five voluntary and five non-voluntary positions to go. The union said the non-voluntary positions should be maintained until further assessment into the future.
Asahi Beverages took on the bottling and distribution rights of the Lipton Iced Tea portfolio across Australia and New Zealand in 2019.
Production of Lipton Ice Tea at the Tatura manufacturing facility ceased on June 30.
A Unilever spokesperson said Unilever Australia and New Zealand was investing in changes to its manufacturing facility at Tatura to support the future growth of its operations.
“The site’s operations have been restructured to accommodate the transfer of the ready-to-drink portfolio to joint venture partner Pepsi Co’s existing bottling partner, Asahi,” the spokesperson said.
“This has resulted in a reduction in roles at Tatura, as the site will no longer be manufacturing Lipton Ice Tea.
“We recognise the impact this has on our employees and we have established a number of support programs, including full outplacement services for those affected, as well as a future skills training program, in line with our commitment to prepare our people for jobs for the future. We remain committed to the long-term future of our Tatura factory operations.”
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