Leprino Foods plans to close its Portlaoise cheese manufacturing plant in Ireland in the second half of next year.
US-headquartered Leprino Foods explained in a statement: “This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise site. Despite considerable efforts, the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved.”
Production of mozzarella and string cheese conducted at Portlaoise will be transitioned to two other Leprino factories located in Magheralin, Northern Ireland, and Llangefni in Wales.
A spokesperson confirmed that 132 staff are employed at the Portlaoise plant, which supplies pizza manufacturers and both quick-service and full-service restaurants.
Leprino Foods, which is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, said closing the Portlaoise site will ensure the European business can “remain competitive”, whilst optimising its manufacturing footprint.
The company added it will provide redundancy packages and career transition assistance to the workers affected.
Paul Vernon, CEO of Leprino in Europe, said: “We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community.
“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.”
Following the announcement of the factory closure, the Irish trade union SIPTU revealed that representatives are to meet with senior management at Leprino Foods in Portlaoise today (20 August).
Terry Bryan, industrial organiser for SIPTU, said in a statement yesterday: “Our immediate thoughts are with our members and their families following this shocking announcement.
“We have already been in contact with the company and have confirmed that we will meet with them tomorrow to discuss the full implications of the decision.
“We will engage with the company directly to see if we can lessen the impact of the decision upon our members and their families and try to explore alternatives to the proposed job losses.”
Bryan added: “It has only been in operation since 2020 and is a modern, state-of-the-art facility. This is both a shocking and regrettable announcement.”
