Glanbia to lose 190 jobs in decision not to re-build plant

A NET loss of 190 jobs is to result from a decision by Glanbia Meats not to re-build a fire-gutted pig-meat processing plant in Roosky, Co Roscommon.

Instead it will upgrade and expand its two remaining facilities in Edenderry, Co Offaly, and Roscrea, Co Tipperary, at an estimated cost of €27 million.

A total of 340 jobs have been lost in Roosky, but some 150 jobs have been created in Edenderry and Roscrea.

This leaves total employment in the group at 760; 350 in Roscrea, 310 in Edenderry and 100 in a cannery facility in Roosky.

The upgraded facilities in Tipperary and Offaly will restore the capacity lost in the fire. Glanbia Meats will as a result have a combined capacity to process 25,000 pigs per week, making the facilities the largest and most efficient of their kind in the State. The entire project is scheduled to be finished by September 2004.

A voluntary redundancy programme was agreed between the company and representatives for staff affected by the fire in Roosky.

John Madden, chief executive, Glanbia Meats Ireland, said the fire was devastating for everybody and they had been determined to rebuild the facility. “Regrettably, that has not been a viable option despite the extensive investigations made by the company.

“I am confident the solution we have arrived at offers the best long-term job security for our remaining employees, and for our producers,” he said.

Glanbia Meats Ireland is a subsidiary of Glanbia plc. It is Ireland's largest pig-meat processor, serving domestic and international markets.