150 Jobs In Jeopardy At Swissco Plant

Over 150 jobs are in jeopardy following an announcement at the Swissco plant in the Little Island area of Cork.

In a statement issued by the company, Swissco's chiefs said it has not been profitable for some time and closing the plant seems the only viable option.

Staff at the food-processing facility were then told they could face redundancy, with only the possibility of relocation for some of the staff.

Swissco has been operating in Little Island since 1974 and employs 154 full-time and part-time workers in the area.

Fine Gael's David Stanton expressed his dismay at the news plant in County Cork is due to close.

"My thoughts go out to the employees of Swiss Co and their families today. Today's statement from the company that closing the plant seems the only 'viable option' will come as a kick in the teeth to all these workers, some of whom who have been working in the plant for decades.

"Swiss Co has been operating in east Cork for well over 30 years and currently employs more than 150 full and part time staff. The loss of these jobs is another body blow to the Cork region already suffering under jobs cuts elsewhere and the tumbling economy," he said.

(DW)