Hundreds of worried staff are gathering at the Cadbury factory in Dunedin ahead of an expected announcement about the closure of the plant.

The Otago Daily Times understands owner Mondelez International has decided to close the factory, effective next year. It is not yet known what the announcement will mean for the popular tourism attraction Cadbury World, which is closed today but will reopen tomorrow.

It is understood night-shift staff were sent home early and among those asked to attend this morning's meeting.

Staff spoken to outside the plant this morning were reluctant to comment, saying they knew little about what was coming. A Mondelez spokesman would only say more information would be available later today.

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