Major cheese company confirms closure of Irish manufacturing plant in Laois as 132 jobs under threat
WORK WOES Major cheese company confirms closure of Irish manufacturing plant in Laois as 132 jobs under threat
A MAJOR cheese company has confirmed their plans to close a manufacturing plant in Portlaoise in the second half of next year.
The US cheese company Leprino Foods has announced its closure plans for the manufacturing plant in Co Laois, which currently employs around 132 Irish employees.
The firm, which produces mozzarella and string cheese, said the "difficult" decision was taken after a "comprehensive evaluation" of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise plant.
Some 132 staff work at the Laois site.
The confirmed closure of the manufacturing plant is set to occur in the second half of 2026.
In a statement, Chief Executive of Leprino Europe Paul Vernon said: "Despite considerable efforts, the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved.
"Closing the site will help ensure that Leprino can remain competitive while optimising its manufacturing footprint to continue meeting the evolving needs of customers.
'We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community.
'We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise. This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions.'
Leprino said it will provide enhanced redundancy packages as well as career transition assistance to employees.
It is also understood the current production in Portlaoise will be transitioned to other European sites in Magheralin in Northern Ireland and Llangefni in Wales.
They added: "The company will provide enhanced redundancy packages, career transition assistance, and regular updates to ensure transparency at every stage."
'CONTINUE TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES'
"In parallel to the above we will continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties."
Leprino has only been in operation in Portlaoise since 2020.
It started as a family-owned company in Denver, Colorado, in 1950 when Mike Leprino Sr started making mozzarella cheese for his family's corner grocery shop.
Leprino is now one of the largest producers of mozzarella cheese in the world, and also supplies lactose, whey protein, micellar casein, and sweet whey.
It employs more than 5,500 people globally and has global sales in 80 countries.
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