More than 150 jobs are expected to be lost at a Cork-based supplier of ready-made meals, it was announced today.
Swissco, which employs 154 full- and part-time employees, said it is entering into consultations with the workforce at its Little Island plant to discuss the future of the business.
The firm said the factory, which produces a range of chilled and 'ambient ready' meals and soups has been unprofitable for a prolonged period of time.
"It has become clear that we will not be able to secure sufficient business to make the factory viable," the company said.
While Swissco said it believed the only solution is to close the factory, it said it would engage in a full consultation process with employees and their representatives to look at alternative options.
Siptu organiser Alan O’Leary met with the company today after management announced it was considering closure.
“While it was known that Swissco was experiencing some financial difficulties, the decision to consider closing by December was unexpected. The potential loss of over 150 jobs in a company that has been operating in Cork for over 30 years is extremely worrying," Mr O'Leary said.
“We met with the company this evening, when management outlined its position to the union and we will be meeting them again shortly to consider the various options.”
Fine Gael Cork East TD David Stanton said the loss of the jobs "was another body blow to the Cork region" which was already suffering due to job cuts elsewhere.
“I am very disappointed that the decision has been taken to close the plant and am calling on the Government, the IDA and other State agencies to begin discussions immediately with the international owners to initiate some form of survival plan. Every avenue needs to be explored to see if the plant can be kept open and the jobs saved.”
Labour Party TD for Cork North Central Kathleen Lynch urged Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan to set up an expert group within her Department which would "identify and assist in addressing problems in companies before they reach a crisis point like this".
"There is little point in spending huge sums of money attracting new industries to Ireland if we find it so difficult to hang on to those that have been here for decades," Ms Lynch said.
The Swissco factory opened in 1974.