A blow to South Canterbury as Timaru's Smithfield meat-works is confirmed to be closing. 

The entire nearly 140-year-old site will close by December's end. 

Alliance Group's told staff they'll be offered re-deployment at its other processing plants, where possible. 

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey told John MacDonald that he's gutted.  

He says it'll impact many families and be felt by the wider community. 

Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb says it will have a knock-on effect for the city. 

He says the loss of 500 jobs means 500-less incomes being spent, which local businesses will feel. 

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