Wasdell to close Dundalk plant with over 200 job losses

Employment in Dundalk was hit with a blow last Friday, following the news that pharmceutical packaging plant, Wasdell, is to close at the end of August, with the reported loss of over 200 jobs.

The news was revealed by local Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú on Friday, who had been in communication with Wasdell. The Wasdell Group, a supplier of manufacturing, packaging and distribution services to the pharmaceutical industry, opened a new state-of-the-art facility, on a nearly three hectare site at the IDA’s site in Mullagharlin five years ago, in 2019. At the time, it is understood, the new facility represented an investment of €30m in the area.

As of Monday, the company had not yet responded to queries from the Dundalk Democrat regarding the reported job cuts. In a statement to Deputy Ó Murchú, the Wasdell Group said that it announced on 8 July the proposed closure of its Dundalk facility, Wasdell Europe Ltd.

In its statement, Wasdell Group Chairman, Martin Tedham says, “it is with regret that the Wasdell Group has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from packaging and associated operations in Ireland with effect from 31st August 2024.”

“Despite significant improvements in terms of performance over the past six months and the hard work and dedication of everyone at our Dundalk facility, we have experienced ongoing service level issues which has resulted in the loss of key customer accounts and means that unfortunately, the site is no longer commercially viable.”

“All staff were informed of the possible closure as of the 8th July and we have worked through the correct and proper legal process of collective redundancy with the unfortunate decision being made and announced to them on 12th August.”

Mr Tedham added: “We remain committed to working with all concerned during the final days of our sites operation and would like to thank our staff for their hard work, ongoing commitment and understanding during this time”.