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SPC chief departs

The man who helped secure the future of SPC Ardmona in Victoria is to leave the fruit and vegetable processing company.

Peter Kelly played a major role in steering a $100 million revamp of the business which helped save 2700 jobs at SPC’s Shepparton cannery in the Goulburn Valley.

SPC’s parent company Coca-Cola Amatil announced Kelly’s departure on Wednesday, saying he would leave in March after nearly three years in the job.

“Peter took on the challenge to turnaround SPC two years ago and I am delighted with the job he’s done,” Coca-Cola Amatil managing director Alison Watkins said.

“He has restored the confidence of consumers, customers and shareholders in this wonderful Australian company and leaves a strong leadership team who are well positioned to continue the positive momentum of SPC.”

SPC found itself in financial trouble at the start of the decade when it faced fierce competition from cheaper imported packaged fruit and vegetable products.

It was forced in 2011 to cut jobs, close a plant at Mooroopna and consolidate manufacturing at its Shepparton and Kyabram factories.

But SPC was still struggling three years later, forcing Coca-Cola Amatil and the Victorian government to step in with a $100 million rescue package.

Kelly used the money to improve automation processes and introduce new products and packaging.

He also sealed a $70 million deal with supermarket giant Woolworths to supply 24,000 extra tonnes of produce.

By mid-2014 SPC had narrowed its losses thanks to higher sales, with many consumers deliberately buying SPC products in an effort to help save the company.

Along with Kelly’s departure from SPC, Coca-Cola Amatil announced that the group’s chief financial officer Nessa O’Sullivan was leaving.

She will depart in February after spending four years as CFO, but will assist as required until late May.

Replacements for Kelly or Ms O’Sullivan have not been announced.

The executive changes come as Coca-Cola Amatil pushes ahead with a $100 million, three-year cost cutting plan for the group.

AAP

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