133 jobs lost as Tipperary plant closes

133 jobs are to go in Co Tipperary with the closure of the Johnson and Johnson plant.

Some 133 workers are facing redundancy after healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson announced plans to shut its factory in Cashel.

The US multinational is closing the Tipperary facility after it decided to end manufacturing of two special coronary stents.

David Kinahan, general manager at the plant, said the closure was not a reflection on the staff.

“Today is a very difficult day for all of us,” he said.

“There are strategic business reasons behind the cessation of the NEVO coronary stent programme, and the intended closure of the Cashel operations where the Nevo stent is manufactured, is a direct result of that decision.”

The Cashel plant was run by the Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, and made special medical devices, the Nevo Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent and the Cypher stent.

In a statement the company said it was no longer pursuing the development of the stents as a result of evolving market dynamics and product portfolio decisions.

Bryan Mohally, vice-president of Johnson & Johnson supply chain operations, said the company was committed to Ireland.

“Johnson & Johnson is committed to Ireland, and has a very large presence here stretching back to the 1930s with some 10 business units, including four large manufacturing sites,” he said.

And he suggested Johnson & Johnson may examine new options for the factory.

“We will explore alternatives for the Cashel site,” he said.

“And we will also make every effort to help those who may be affected by any job losses in terms of redeployment within the Johnson & Johnson family of companies where possible, and the provision of outplacement assistance and services.”

Formal consultation with staff over redundancy will begin immediately, the company said.

Johnson & Johnson has more than 250 companies in 57 countries employing 115,000 people.

Tom Hayes, Fine Gael TD for South Tipperary, said: “I feel enormous sympathy for the affected workers who will be left devastated.

“To lose your job is a terrible blow and the resulting uncertainty and financial pressure is very difficult for families to deal with.

“The company had invested hugely in the plant in Cashel and it is very disappointing to see this development.”

Mr Hayes added: “Cashel cannot afford to lose so many jobs and I will be doing everything I can to ensure that current employees are looked after. I will also work to see that the site is used to best effect.”