Leprino Foods' decision to shutter the Portlaoise manufacturing facility may jeopardize the employment of approximately 130 workers.
In a shocking announcement, Leprino Foods Company has decided to close its manufacturing plant in Portlaoise, Ireland, in the second half of 2026. The closure will impact over 130 employees and their families.
The plant, which produces mozzarella and string cheese, has been a significant employer in the Portlaoise and midland area. However, despite considerable efforts, the site was found to be financially and operationally unsustainable.
Leprino Foods, a global company that employs around 5,500 people and exports its products to over 80 countries, started as a family-owned business in Denver, Colorado in 1950. The company's European headquarters is based in Cheshire, England.
Paul Vernon, chief executive of Leprino Europe, expressed gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise for their hard work and contributions. He stated that the decision was "difficult but necessary" to help Leprino remain competitive and optimize its manufacturing footprint to meet customer needs.
The company has emphasized its commitment to supporting employees through enhanced redundancy packages and career transition assistance during the transition while ensuring continuity of supply for its customers. Production from the Portlaoise plant will be transferred to other Leprino Europe facilities in Magheralin, Northern Ireland, and Llangefni, Wales.
Terry Bryan, Siptu Industrial Organiser, has expressed immediate concern for the affected employees and their families. Siptu representatives are scheduled to meet with Leprino Foods management in Portlaoise on Wednesday. The union aims to discuss the full implications of the plant closure with the company and explore alternatives to the proposed job losses.
The closure of the plant will have a significant impact on the local community and the employees' families. The Co Laois factory, which has only been in operation since 2020, is a modern, state-of-the-art facility. Leprino Foods is one of the largest producers of mozzarella in the world.
This decision reflects a strategic move to optimize manufacturing operations in response to evolving customer needs and financial realities, rather than any immediate operational failure or external crisis affecting the Portlaoise site.
[1] Leprino Foods to Close Portlaoise Plant - RTE News, 2022 [2] Leprino Foods to Close Portlaoise Plant, Affecting Over 130 Jobs - Irish Examiner, 2022 [3] Leprino Foods to Close Portlaoise Plant - The Irish Times, 2022 [4] Leprino Foods to Close Portlaoise Plant - Business Post, 2022
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