Manufacturing firm to lay off 140 Carlow staff

A German manufacturing firm has announced plans to lay off 140 of its workers in Carlow town.

Lapple Ireland is to close its factory in the town later this year due to heavy losses in recent years.

The company says it has been seriously impacted by the increasing competitive and cost pressures that are affecting Ireland's manufacturing sector.

Lapple, which has been in Carlow since 1974, makes metal parts for the motor industry.