More jobs look set to go at Ireland’s ABP Food Group as consultations with staff at its Waterford site begin.
ABP Food Group said in a statement it is reviewing around 230 potential redundancies at the Waterford cutting and deboning facility.
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However, the abattoir at the same location is not affected by any job cuts and will continue to receive cattle for slaughter.
ABP cited “reduced livestock supply and increasing costs in Ireland” for the workforce downsizing, although the company did not say how many staff will be left at Waterford when asked by Just Food.
It said the company would not be making any further comment beyond its statement until talks with staff are completed.
The group will use other facilities to “maintain its efficiency and competitiveness”, according to the statement.
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By GlobalDataAn ABP spokesperson said: “We understand the impact this announcement may have on our colleagues and their families. We are committed to engaging constructively with our employees during this period of consultation.
“ABP remains wholly committed to the farming community, ensuring strong partnerships that sustain the quality of Irish beef. We are equally dedicated to supporting our employees and to maintaining the highest standards of service for our customers in Ireland and across international markets.”
Last month, ABP announced it would close its Co. Tyrone site in Linden, located on the Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon, with the loss of 338 jobs.
ABP said at the time the decision was based on adapting to “trading conditions and market trends”, along with the need to consolidate.
A spokesperson said then: “This has been a very difficult step. But we are facing a challenging and changing UK and global marketplace for beef and lamb. Streamlining our operations is a necessity to achieve operational efficiencies, maintain our competitiveness and strengthen our business for the long term.”
The manufacturer of the Scotch Prime and Surrey Farm beef brands, and the Dorset Crown lamb line, generates an annual turnover of around €5bn ($5.9bn). It supplies retail, foodservice and wholesale customers.
Outside of the UK, Ireland and Europe, ABP entered a new market in 2024 after securing access for its beef to South Korea. The company already ships to China.
ABP took full control of what was Linden Foods in 2021 having held a 50% stake in the business since 2017.
