The company said the redundancies were part of its business strategy to ensure the Ballarat site’s long-term future.

Mars Chocolate Australia general manager Michael Ryan said the Ballarat factory has had a “significant focus” on costs during the past three to four years.

“The changes are needed for us to remain competitive and financially healthy in a tough global environment,” Mr Ryan said.

“Our people are integral to our business and decisions like this are not taken lightly.

“We have remained transparent throughout this process and kept them aware of possible changes for the past year, in line with our principles.

“All packages are voluntary and any associates who choose to leave will be given the support necessary to help them move onto the next stage of their lives or careers.”

He said the company was keen to secure the Ballarat factory’s future in a tough economic environment.

“Our ‘Made in Ballarat’ strategy has been focused on ensuring we remain competitive and sustainable for the long term so that we can continue to manufacture in Ballarat.”

Australian Manufacturing and Workers Union metals organiser Colin Muir confirmed the redundancies had been in the pipeline for the past 12 months.

“We’re just beginning to work it through with the company now,” Mr Muir said.

“We’ve known about it for quite some time. There’s no real surprise for us.”

Mr Muir said the union had been told the redundancies were part of a rationalisation of production systems.

“We’ve been told it’s part of what they need to do to maintain the viability of the site.”

Talks were held yesterday between the company and the union, along with employee briefings.

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