Shock at loss of 234 jobs at Waterford board game plant

A total of 234 jobs are to be lost at Waterford-based Cartamundi, which plans to close by the end of August.

The factory on Cork Road in Waterford has been manufacturing games since 1977 and previously dealt under the Hasbro and MB names.

The Waterford plant is the largest European games manufacturing plant in the Cartamundi group, employing 234 people.

A staff meeting took place at the site on Wednesday, where management broke the news.

Management have blamed a post-Covid decline in demand for board games for its decision.

The closure will be phased over a number of months until next August.

A statement issued on behalf of Cartamundi Group says that the intention to close the factory is the result of structural overcapacity and reduced demand for board games globally post Covid.

"Sales during Covid and through 2021 were strong and peaked mid 2022. The situation has been aggravated by the increase in raw material and energy costs, which has impacted manufacturers globally," it outlined.

The announcement was made to employees at the Waterford plant today by David Germis, President of Cartamundi Solutions Division and Barry Morrissey, Managing Director, Cartamundi Ireland.

Cartamundi will now begin consultations with employees, their representatives and state agencies, the company confirmed.

David Germis said: "It is particularly regrettable that we plan to close our Waterford facility. It has been a source of reliable quality production and we wish to thank the management and employees for their dedication and continued application in ensuring the continuous supply of products to our customers, particularly in the recent difficult times. The factory in Waterford has been suffering losses for many months now and this is not sustainable".

Barry Morrissey said: "This is a very sad day for Cartamundi Ireland. We are very proud of the quality of the work and the legacy of the plant and its people in Waterford and appreciate the efforts of everyone at the plant. Our immediate concern is the welfare of our employees. We would like to thank all our employees for their ongoing commitment, in particular during the uncertainty of recent months, and we thank IDA Ireland, the Irish Government, the local community, suppliers and customers for their support".

The news was described as "very disappointing" by Senator John Cummins. 

"I have immediately contacted the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Simon Coveney and Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys to ask that every resource of the state agencies will be deployed to assist all workers who have received this terrible news today both to find alternative work and ensure Cartmundi Ireland lives up to its legal obligations," he said.

"It is very disappointing that the company has chosen this course of action and my thoughts are with all the workers and their families at what must be an exceptionally difficult time," Senator Cummins said.