Thermo King Corporation has announced the closure of its Blanchardstown, Dublin plant with the loss of 260 jobs.
Workers at the transport refrigeration manufacturing plant were told yesterday afternoon production would be phased out until April, when the plant would close.
Discussions are to take place on Monday between management and union and employee representatives to discuss phasing out production, severance packages and possible relocation of some workers to the Galway plant.
"The plant closure is part of a corporate-wide plan to rationalise manufacturing operations to improve efficiency and better position the company for the future," a statement from the company said.
Production from the Blanchardstown plant is expected to be out-sourced and also to take place at the Galway plant where 600 people are employed. Thermo King also has a service parts warehouse in Shannon employing 25 people. A spokesman said there were no plans to close either in Galway or Shannon.
In a statement handed out to workers, management said the closure was a difficult decision which did not reflect negatively on their efforts. Workers were told last year the company would be rationalising its manufacturing.
"The company will do everything possible to provide comprehensive support to everyone affected, including providing an outplacement service and contacting other employers in the area," the statement added.
Workers were told after the announcement they could go home or discuss the closure with colleagues and managers.