Workers at McCain's Smithton processing plant are still reeling over news the plant will be closed.

More than 100 full-time jobs will be slashed, in a new blow to the state's north west.

There was little Friday night cheer as workers left the plant for the week - facing a weekend of hard thinking about an uncertain future.

McCain will close its vegetable processing plant in a year's time.

Worker Bev Bowden said "We was all stunned, just came as a shock and it all hasn't sunk in properly yet."

Ms Bowden lives across the road from the plant and has worked there for almost 30 years.

She said "Just shocked, there was never no word about it. we went to a meeting and they said they're shutting down in 12 months time."

Worker Kendra Hills said "We've been working so hard to improve everything and didn't know anything."

The company has blamed rising production costs and ageing infrastructure for the sudden closure.

It's believed processing operations will be moved to New Zealand.

Management says the McCain chip factory, also in Smithton, won't be affected.