Fears for manufacturer as workforce halved

THERE were fears last night for the future of a large employer on Cork’s northside after it announced it will axe about half its workforce.

RR Donnelly, which bought Banta Global Turnkey based at the Hollyhill Industrial Estate last year, announced it will shed 60 of its 140-strong workforce over the next three to four months.

Its manufacturing operation will be most affected. The plant specialises in the production of computer manuals, books, special interest magazines, catalogues, direct marketing and literature management for IT companies around the world, including giants like Microsoft and Hewlett Packard.

RR Donnelly’s executive vice president Doug Fitzgerald said the decision to shed the jobs was taken because of a fall-off in demand from their customers.

The firm employs 750 people in Limerick, but their jobs will not be affected, he said. Some positions may be available at another RR Donnelly operation in Cork or at the Limerick facility, he added.

Severance packages — understood to include four and half weeks pay per year of service and a once-off payment of €500 — and job placement services will be offered.

Local independent councillor Dave McCarthy said it would be of little consolation to the affected workers in what is an unemployment blackspot. “This is devastating news for the entire northside,” he said.

Northside-based Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen called on Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin to step in to ensure the future viability of the plant.

“This decision will have a serious knock-on affect not just on the workers and their families, but on those local businesses that supply the company,” he said.