Cashel pharma company to close with 100 job losses

With confirmation that Ranbaxy in Tipperary is to close with the loss of 100 jobs by year’s end, the focus turns to upskilling the staff so they can find jobs.

The Cashel plant’s owners, Sun Pharma, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, had indicated several months ago that it was looking to scale back its global operations and there had been speculation the Tipperary facility may be affected. Yesterday it confirmed the worst fears of the workers there saying it expects to cease operations there “by end of current calendar year”.

Tony Kelly, regional officer with Unite trade union which represents around 70 workers at the facility, which makes and packages generic drugs, said the union was very disappointed Sun Pharma was closing the facility having failed to find a buyer “especially as it is less than 12 months since the acquisition was made”.

“From next week, Unite will be engaging with management to secure the best terms for our members, who have given long and dedicated service to the company,” he added

The plant has been in Cashel since 1984 and it is believed some staff have given close to 30 years’ service.

County Tipperary Chamber president, Mark Small, said Sun Pharma has been a consistent employer in the local economy for many years: “We are now working with the management of the company and our County Tipperary Skillnet training division to identify upskilling opportunities to ensure that those faced with losing their jobs at Sun Pharma have the best possible chance to secure a new role as soon as possible. We will also be working with the relevant agencies, as we have done before, to seek a replacement business for the Cork Road plant.”

The Chamber spoke about potential opportunities for Sun Pharma staff at the new IDA pharmaceutical company, Amneal, in Cashel.