Templemore glass factory to close as Taylor Made faces continued losses
Company cites falling demand and ongoing losses as reason for Templemore site closure
Glass manufacturer Taylor Made has confirmed plans to close its factory in Templemore, where 62 people are employed.
The company has appointed Paul Walsh and Colm Dolan of Grant Thornton as liquidators to oversee the redundancy consultation process and manage any potential site closure.
Taylor Made, part of the US-based Lippert Group, manufactures glass products including windshields and frames at its Templemore facility.
Taylor Made said that demand for its products has fallen sharply over the past three years. A company spokesperson acknowledged that, despite efforts to attract new customers and develop products, the business has continued to operate at a loss, with little prospect of improvement.
"Whilst the team have fought hard to gain traction into different customers and develop new products, the business has continued to make losses and indications are that the situation is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future," the company said.
After reviewing its options in the context of challenging market conditions, Taylor Made concluded that consultation with its 62 employees in Tipperary on a permanent closure was unavoidable.
"Having carefully considered our options alongside the challenging market conditions, it has become clear that we have no alternative but to enter into consultation with our 62 team members in Tipperary about a proposal to permanently close our factory in Templemore," the statement added.
The company reassured staff that the announcement would not immediately affect operations or employment and that customer orders would continue to be fulfilled.
Over the past two years, Taylor Made said it had implemented cost-saving measures and injected substantial working capital in an attempt to stabilise the business.
"We fully recognise the impact this decision could have on our team members in Ireland and we are committed to providing all necessary assistance during this time and supporting them through any finally determined transition," the company said.