There has been a jobs blow this afternoon as a big employer has announced it is to cease manufacturing operations at its plant in Portlaoise by the second half of 2026.
US cheese giant Leprino Foods announced the news in a statement today.
Their state-of-the-art facility in Portlaoise, opened in 2021 in the National Enterprise Park at Junction 17, and is part of their European operations.
This was originally a joint venture with Glanbia but Leprino in April 2023.
It is understood that the company employs around 100 people at its Portlaoise facility.
However, today, the company announced they had made ‘the difficult but necessary decision to cease manufacturing operations’ at the facility that produces mozzarella and string cheese.
They said that this decision follows a ‘comprehensive evaluation of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise site’.
They say that ‘despite considerable efforts, the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved’.
“We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community,” said Paul Vernon, Chief Executive of Leprino Europe.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise.
“This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions.”
Leprino say they are ‘committed to supporting employees throughout this transition, as well as ensuring continuity of supply for our customers’.
The company say that they ‘will provide enhanced redundancy packages, career transition assistance, and regular updates to ensure transparency at every stage’.
Production will be transitioned to other Leprino Europe facilities in Magheralin, Northern Ireland, and Llangefni, Wales.
The statement concluded with what Leprino intends to do with the site when they vacate it.
They said: “In parallel to the above we will continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties.”
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