Up to 315 jobs are to be lost with the closure of the Cardinal Health facility in Tullamore after the company decided to discontinue the production of one of its products and relocate other manufacturing lines to Mexico and Costa Rica.
Staff were told at a meeting on Thursday morning that operations will be wound down on a phased basis between now and 2026. It is believed the company’s Dublin based operations will not be impacted.
In a statement on Thursday, the company said the plan was to “consolidate production” from its Tullamore facility to “other facilities within our self-manufacturing network” in March of 2026.
“Commercial activities in Ireland will not be impacted by these plans,” it said. “This decision is part of our regular assessment of our global business, manufacturing and supply chain operations to ensure we are able to meet the evolving needs of our customers, the industry and our business.”
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In response to questions, it said “a fair redundancy package is in place for impacted employees”.
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said his “primary concern” was for staff and their families “who are now coming to terms with the impact of this announcement”.
“Following this morning’s town hall meeting with staff, and along with the IDA and my department, we will work with the company management and with staff on current and potential future possibilities,” he said.
“We will make every effort to identify alternative employment opportunities for the staff affected by this announcement,” he added.
On Wednesday afternoon staff were advised that production would cease to allow for all staff to attend the meeting on Thursday morning for an announcement.
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Siptu area organiser Ashling Dunne said the company had taken the “devastating” decision following a review of its manufacturing lines, with one product being discontinued while a number of others are being moved to Mexico and Costa Rica.
She said the plant was to be shut down on a “phased basis” with the first group of employees to be let go in March and April of 2025, with the second group set to depart in April and May of 2026. A small number of people will be retained to decommission the site.
The company’s information and consultation meeting with staff about the job losses will take place on Tuesday.
The union’s manufacturing divisional organiser, Neil McGowan, said the news, coming so soon after the announcement of the proposed closure of the Becton Dickenson plant in County Louth, pointed to a wider, worrying pattern.
“There is a worrying trend of closures in the medical devices manufacturing sector that is resulting in hundreds of job losses,” he said. “These jobs were until recently considered very secure and good employment. The Government must immediately focus on ensuring that this decline in a key part of the economy is halted.”
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen described the facility’s closure as “a significant blow to the local economy”.
“The closure of Cardinal’s plant will have a profound impact on our local workforce, many of whom have dedicated years of service to the company,” he said.
“My immediate focus is on the employees and their families who are directly affected by this decision. I have been assured that an adequate redundancy package will be put in place to recognise their commitment and contribution over the years.”
Mr Cowen also highlighted the “urgent need” for proactive measures to address the economic vacuum left by the plant’s closure.
The cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Tony McCormack said he had spoken with the Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Mr Burke to appeal for the support of State agencies.
He said he had been assured that everything would be done to ensure the staff could avail of upskilling and reskilling and he was hopeful that all could find jobs.
The facility at which Cardinal Health operates has hosted a number of medical device companies over the past 40 years, he said, and the workforce had been very loyal, some of them working there for over 20 years.
“What we’re hoping is going to happen at this stage is to work very closely with the IDA in order to have somebody to come and move into that facility very soon.
“So while we’re losing these jobs today, I would be hopeful that the IDA will be able to sell that land for another medical device company in the long term,” he said.
Laois/Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan said it was a “black day” for Tullamore. “My thoughts and solidarity are with the over 300 Cardinal Health workers and their families at this difficult time,” he said. “It’s a black day for Tullamore.
“I have spoken directly with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke, who has assured me that the Government will do all it can to assist.
“I have spoken to some workers and pledged my active assistance. Relevant state agencies are on hand to provide advice and help. Much can happen between now and next March to soften the blow although it is a huge setback to economic and social life of Tullamore.
“Following the news, I have also been in touch with local Tullamore councillor Neil Feighery updating him on matters.
“The State will assist in the guidance for alternative jobs in the area and I pledge my full support at this time of challenge,” he added.
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