Yeo’s cuts 25 jobs in Singapore as can manufacturing moves to Malaysia

Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s) is laying off 25 employees at its Senoko facility in Singapore as part of a move to consolidate its can manufacturing operations in Malaysia.

In a statement on Tuesday (31 March), Yeo’s said can manufacturing will be consolidated to its Johor and Selangor facilities, a move it said will “optimise capacity utilisation and strengthen overall manufacturing efficiency” across its network.

Despite the changes, the Senoko site will continue to serve as the Group’s headquarters, cross-border logistics hub and a smaller-scale manufacturing centre.

Yeo’s said it “deeply regrets” the impact on affected employees and is committing to a support package that includes job placement assistance, career guidance and counselling. Where possible, the company will also offer opportunities for open roles within Yeo’s Malaysia.

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Retrenchment benefits for affected staff have been agreed with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) and are in line with the Ministry of Manpower’s Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment, the company said. The benefits will be commensurate with each employee’s salary and years of service.

Yeo’s added that it worked closely with the union “to ensure the package and transition support reflect appreciation for the contributions of affected staff”.

According to CNA, the FDAWU has been in discussions with Yeo’s since it was first informed of the consolidation, with the aim of securing fair and responsible outcomes for impacted staff, said general secretary Sankaradass S Chami.

FDAWU reportedly attended Yeo’s communication session with affected employees on 31 March to ensure that information shared was clear and accurate, and to address employees’ questions and concerns. The union also sought to reassure staff that it would continue to support them through the transition.

Sankaradass reportedly added that the union is partnering closely with Yeo’s to help employees move into the next stage of their careers, including support in career planning, job transitions and skills upgrading. This involves linking them up with the Labour Movement’s wider network, such as NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).

CNA reported that e2i “stands ready” to provide affected Singaporeans and permanent residents with job-matching services, career coaching and skills advisory. Representatives from e2i were also reportedly present on-site to hand out information kits on career resources and to outline the career support and advisory services available to help workers move into new roles.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information. 

These developments come amid a broader reshaping of Singapore’s beverage manufacturing landscape. Just last week, Singapore’s homegrown beer icon Tiger Beer announced it will end large-scale brewing at its Tuas brewery by the end of 2027, winding down 95 years of local production.

About 130 roles may be impacted, with severance, reskilling and career support to be coordinated with FDAWU and NTUC’s e2i, according to a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. Following the closure, HEINEKEN’s Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) will shift to an import-based supply model, with production moving to regional hubs in Malaysia and Vietnam.

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