Global packaging firm Sonoco has announced plans to shut down Carrickmacross packaging facility in County Monaghan, Ireland, in November 2013.
The plant manufactures thermoformed packages for a range of food processors primarily in Ireland and other parts of Europe.
Sonoco stated that the decision to consider the shut-down of operations at Carrickmacross packaging plant has been made due to shifting market conditions and a financially challenging competitive environment.
The facility had been experiencing a loss of volume and profitability over the past several years and the pattern is continuing through 2013, leaving no possible option other than to consider the facility closure, a move which will result in about 49 job losses.
Sonoco Plastics thermoforming vice president and general manager Jeff DiPasquale said: "If a shut-down of the facility is the final outcome, we will work diligently to ensure the closing of the Carrickmacross facility goes as smoothly as possible, not only for our employees, but also for our loyal customers, with minimal disruption to the quality and service they have come to expect."
Sonoco does not expect the first reduction in jobs to occur until October 2013 in the event the plant closure and the company plans to gradually scale back operations, targeting a plant closure on 1 November 2013.
The company noted that it will consult with employee representatives from its Employee Forum and find ways to avoid the needs for redundancies, to reduce the number of employees affected and to reduce the consequences of redundancies for employees.
