Thirteen jobs have been lost at a major Murraylands business as a national corporation increases its foothold in the region.
Ridley Agriproducts, which operates a feed mill in Murray Bridge, was notified earlier this year that it would lose a supply contract for Ingham's this month.
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The larger company recently opened a state-of-the-art mill of its own at Brinkley.
As a result, three shifts at Ridley's mill were wound back to one this week, with surplus staff made redundant.
Company spokeswoman Briannon Avery said production had been phased down over the past few weeks.
But she said Ridley had no plans to further reduce its workforce or the services it offered to existing clients, or to move away from its South Terrace site.
"It will be business as usual for our existing customers and potential new customers, but we'll be moving forward with one shift," she said.
"We've undertaken a significant evaluation of all our options over several months.
"This was obviously our last option ... the only sustainable option at this point in time."
In a statement, the company thanked its Murray Bridge staff and the customers who had supported it for many years.
“We regret the impact this change will have on our staff,” it said.
“We … have worked closely with individuals to help them work through their options and ensure they receive all appropriate support.
“We look forward to continuing to service our South Australian customers from Murray Bridge and Wasleys.”
Managing director Tim Hart had noted the loss of the Ingham's contract, worth up to $2 million, in Ridley Agriproducts' annual report on September 27.
"The commercial feeds team is working to secure other sources of new business and sales tonnes to replace this volume," he said at the time.
A feed mill in Clifton, Queensland was also expected to be affected.
The company operates 20 feed and supplement production facilities in five states, and has a 49 per cent stake in another in Chanthaburi, Thailand.
Ingham's has invested heavily in the Murraylands in recent years, expanding its Monarto hatchery and breeder farm and developing a new egg farm at Yumali.
Peri Strathearn
Alter ego of uke player Barney Rebel. E-cyclist, Leafs fan, Uniting churchgoer, consumer of baked goods, dad of two girls.
Alter ego of uke player Barney Rebel. E-cyclist, Leafs fan, Uniting churchgoer, consumer of baked goods, dad of two girls.
