Medical devices firm Covidien to transfer product line to Thailand

Medical devices firm Covidien is to transfer the manufacturing line for one of its products from Athlone in Co Westmeath to Thailand.

It is not yet known how many jobs will be affected by the move.

Talks between unions and management will get underway today to discuss the situation.

A spokesperson for the plant last night confirmed negotiations are underway on voluntary redundancy. It is not yet known how many jobs will be affected.

The company employs 600 people at the Athlone site.