Work transfer plans for fire hit plant

A contingency plan for Glanbia Meats’ 280 workers will be announced by management later today.

Work at the pig-processing plant in Edenderry, Co Offaly, has been on hold since a blaze ripped through the factory on Sunday morning.

The company was forced to issue a protective notice to its workforce, many of whom are non-Irish nationals renting homes in the area.

It is understood production at the factory will be transferred to the company’s facility in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, with some staff bussed to work there.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) yesterday revealed that Glanbia will increase slaughtering at its Roscrea plant by 400 extra pigs on weekdays, and to 7,200 at weekends.

It is also claimed the company told local politicians that although there were no guarantees the factory would be rebuilt, 60 staff full time and 160 part-time staff would be re-employed in Roscrea.

However, a spokeswomen for Glanbia said the company would not be making an official announcement until today.