Upgrades in technology and changes in contracts may see the axe fall on a number of workers at McCain Foods Ltd in Washdyke, Timaru.

While management at the plant, or its Australian-based head office, were not able to be contacted yesterday, The Timaru Herald has learnt the Washdyke factory will shut for two weeks, from July 11.

In that time, new technology packing robots will be installed to do the jobs of up to 16 staff in the packing area.

The Herald understands the jobs of people who remove potatoes from the stores may also go, with about seven positions thought to be affected.