Around 540 jobs under threat at Wyeth Nutrition

More than 500 jobs are under threat at the Wyeth Nutrition infant formula factory in Askeaton, Co Limerick.

Owner Nestlé has announced a proposal to close the plant by the first quarter of 2026.

A co-located research and development centre would also shut by the first quarter of 2025 under the proposals.

“We will now consult with all employees and their representative unions,” the company said in a statement.

“Regrettably, today’s announcement means approximately 542 colleagues will be placed at risk of redundancy.”

The plant previously belonged to Pfizer Nutrition and was bought by Nestlé in 2012.

It currently operates as Wyeth Nutritionals Ireland Ltd.

The company is blaming a drop in demand for its products in China, where there has been a sharp drop in the birth rate and a rise in locally produced products.

“To adapt to those changes we are proposing to transfer the production from Askeaton to two existing factories – Suzhou, Mainland China and Konolfingen, Switzerland,” the company said.

“Konolfingen is also home to Wyeth and Nestlé Nutrition’s global R&D centre of excellence for infant and maternal products.”

“It is proposed that R&D work at Askeaton would be absorbed into Konolfingen, where 365 colleagues work on research and product development across several disciplines, and a satellite R&D centre in Shanghai would be strengthened.”

The company added that the proposals have been carefully considered and are no reflection on the excellent contribution made by its employees in Askeaton over many years.

Nestlé said it had tried to find a buyer for the plant, but its efforts have been unsuccessful.

However, it added that during the consultation period with staff it will remain open to approaches from “a credible buyer”.

“We regret the uncertainty this announcement will cause our colleagues and their families, and we will make sure they are supported fully throughout this process,” it added.

‘Very disappointing’ news – Coveney

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney described the news as “very disappointing”.

In a statement, Mr Coveney said his thoughts are with the Wyeth workers and their families.

“It is hugely disappointing news as this facility has provided fantastic employment in Limerick and made a huge contribution to Ireland’s economy,” he said.

He said officials in his department will now begin a process of engagement with the management and workers in the company.

“The full range of State supports will be made available to the employees, and we will examine each and every option to ensure that the best possible outcome is reached for all concerned.”

A local Fine Gael councillor said there is “huge shock and devastation” at the announcement, which marks a black day for the region.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Six One News, Adam Teskey said it was an unexpected hammer blow for the area.

He said he had spoken to Minister Coveney and the Department of the Taoiseach and was ensured they would do everything in their power to ensure the viability of the plant in the future.

Union calls for urgent meeting with management

SIPTU representatives have called for an urgent meeting with the company’s management following the announcement.

Organiser Ciara McMahon-Flavin called the announcement “horrendous for the workers and their families” and said the news has “come as a complete shock”

She said the group is calling for the meeting in a bid to ensure “that a future is maintained for this longstanding and successful site”.

Sector Organiser Neil McGowan added that it is vital that as many jobs are saved as possible, and also called on the Government to intervene immediately.

The situation will also be raised at tomorrow’s European Federation of Food, Agriculture, and Tourism Executive Committee meeting in Brussels by SIPTU Divisional Organiser Greg Ennis who said he will try to engage with the Nestlé European Works Council.

The Unite trade union, which represents administrative, technical and craft grades at Wyeth Nutritionals, said workers were shocked to be told that the plant is facing closure.

“Management now needs to engage immediately with unions to explore alternatives to closure of the plant and minimise redundancies, while also ensuring the best possible package of supports for any workers who do lose their jobs,” said Unite Regional Coordinating Officer Tom Fitzgerald.