THE PROPOSED cutting of all but a handful of jobs at Irish Flavours and Fragrances (IFF) in Drogheda came “out of the blue”, according to the Unite trade union.
The company said yesterday that after a “strategic review” of its operations, it is seeking 101 redundancies out of a workforce of 105.
It is 30 years since IFF, which makes fragrances primarily for the perfume industry, opened in the Co Louth town. Staff were informed yesterday, and in a letter to Unite, IFF said the redundancies followed “an ongoing strategic infrastructure review”.
Although staff had been put on a three-day week last year, Peter Kenny of Unite said: “This came out of the blue, and we are extremely disappointed. There will be nothing left in the factory – it will be gone to all intents and purposes.”
The company has invited the union to a meeting to discuss redundancy terms today. Workers due to start their shift at 3pm yesterday said they were told the factory was closed for the day.
One woman, who didn’t want to be named, said: “We are all gutted. We knew something was coming, but this was a big surprise.”
Father-of-two David Connor (50) said: “They are making money, but not as much here as somewhere else. It has factories now around the world in places like China.”
Mr Connor said he felt he had little chance of finding alternative employment. It is understood that the jobs will be shed between January and September next.
In a statement to the media yesterday, IFF said: “As a result of having carried out a review of its fragrance-compounding operations, [IFF has] started a consultation process with employee representatives regarding the potential closure of its fragrance manufacturing site in Drogheda, Ireland.
“Following the consultation period, it is possible that this may result in the loss of up to 100 jobs in Drogheda. The decision to enter into this consultation was not taken lightly.
“IFF deeply values its employees and the many contributions they have made to the company’s success. Should the redundancies go ahead, a comprehensive programme will be put in place for all affected staff,” it added.
Mayor of Drogheda Michael O’Dowd said the news was “a terrible blow to the workers and Drogheda”.
“Over the past decade Drogheda has been badly affected by job closures throughout the region – notably Tellabs, Thorsmans, Millex, Coca-Cola, as well as SR Technics”.
He added that Government decisions and VAT rates had also hit Drogheda’s retail sector.
IFF is based on the Donore Industrial Estate, where it is the only remaining major manufacturer. Numerous other firms have closed, and while some of the units have been let to other businesses, the number of jobs bears no resemblance to the level of employment that existed there 20 years ago.