The Heinz factory in Dundalk
A number of jobs at the Heinz factory in Dundalk are under threat after the food giant warned today that they could be set to cut 250 jobs in the UK and Ireland.
The firm said it had developed a new “streamlined structure”, which could lead to the loss of 248 office jobs.
Earlier this month, the company laid off 600 employees in the US.
The company currently employs 2,500 people in the UK and Ireland, with Dundalk their only location in Ireland.
In a statement Heinz said: “As part of our transition to a private company, the senior leadership team has examined every part of our global business to better position Heinz for accelerated growth in a very competitive global market.
“The proposal is subject to a consultation process with employees and their representatives, and Heinz is committed to ensuring all employees are treated with the utmost respect and compassion.
“In the event that after consultation a decision is made to proceed with the proposals, the company would offer enhanced severance benefits plus outplacement services to help make the transition as smooth as possible, and to help affected employees pursue new career opportunities.”
Heinz first came to Dundalk in 1993 and are based at the Finnabair Industrial Estate. They have picked up numerous awards over the years, with the local factory dedicated to making frozen meals as opposed to other products the company are famed for such as their baked beans and range of sauces.
Around 250 staff are believed to work in the plant, which can increase to as much as 300 seasonally.
