Lifejacket Giant to Shut Down: 120 jobs in jeopardy
Owner and managing director Mike Towler, cited reasons that included rising sea freight costs, and increase labour costs against the weight of low productivity.
Thursday 16 January 2025 | 11:56
Authorities are scrambling for solutions after a leading manufacturer announced the end of its 33-year business operation in Fiji.
Performance Flotation Developments (Fiji) Limited, the southern hemisphere's largest maker of lifejackets, will send home 120 workers in the next two months.
Owner and managing director Mike Towler, cited reasons that included rising sea freight costs, and increase labour costs against the weight of low productivity.
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Under the proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Bill 2024, productivity is at stake as businesses will fork out more for less working hours.
Trade minister Manoa Kamikamica will comment after he has spoken with the council, while council president, Inbamalar Wanarajan referred queries to Mr Towler.
Mr Towler is a Fiji citizen and was an outspoken business leader of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Council.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
