Glanbia to close nine retail outlets
All the affected branches are one-man operations and, taking into account pending retirements and redeployments, the net job losses will be limited to two. The branches are due to close in early 2006.
The closures are part of the strategic development of Glanbia’s Agribusiness division, which will continue with 62 branches.
Included in the strategic plan is a €6 million investment over the next few years in a new retail concept called Glanbia CountryLife which is to be introduced gradually, with 13 locations being developed in the next year.
Branches to close are Aglish, Ballymacarbry, Cullencastle and Ballydurn in the Waterford region, Ballincurrig and Ballyduff in the Castlelyons region, Ida and Tullaroan in the Kilkenny region and Boro in the Wexford region.
The new Glanbia Countrylife branches will be at Dungarvan, Kilmeaden, Tallow and Gaultier in Co Waterford; Killenaule, Co Tipperary; Clonroche, Kilmuckridge and New Ross, Co Wexford; Rathdrum, Co Wicklow; Monasterevin, Co Kildare, Ballacolla, Co Laois; Athboy, Co Meath and Ballyhale and Freshford, Co Kilkenny.
Colm Eustace, chief executive designate, Glanbia Agribusiness, said trading has been in steady decline in recent years with fewer farmers and reduced spending power.
He said Glanbia focused on the most efficient and economic locations and as such has had to make difficult decisions.
“The branches are part of the legacy of the group and have made a strong contribution locally, with the result that the decision to close these nine selected branches was taken with regret.”
Mr Eustace said Glanbia has to consolidate its retail offering and focus on the changing needs of customers.
