A softening in demand for poppy product and a desire to reduce inventory is being blamed for Tasmanian Alkaloids' decision to shut down its production facility earlier in the year than usual.
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No staff will be affected by the extended maintenance shutdown and crop sowing activities are also not expected to be affected by the changes.
A Tasmanian Alkaloids spokesperson said the company had decided to “adjust its production schedule” and will begin a full factory trial that had been slated for later in the year.
“The production schedule has been adjusted to include a full factory trial and the annual maintenance shutdown has been scheduled earlier than typical,” the spokesperson said.
“The maintenance shutdown typically requires a phased approach to preparing the equipment, executing the maintenance plan and then testing to bring the equipment back on line.”
The decision will give employees time off over the festive season.
The adjustment decision comes after Tasmanian Alkaloids announced it would reduce the poppy production amount it would need in Tasmania, announced in May.