Potentially 540 jobs being lost in Askeaton in Limerick has been described as a "black day" for the area.
Nestle told employees yesterday it will end operations at the plant in Askeaton in 2026, closing the centre in early 2025.
Shock and disbelief
That has been the reaction across the board in Askeaton following the news from Nestlé yesterday.
The factory manufactures baby formula.
In a statement yesterday the company said external trends have significantly impacted demand for infant nutrition products in the Greater China region.
That has impacted the need for imported products such as those made at Wyeth.
Cathoirleach of the Adare-Rathkeale MD Adam Teskey, (pictured above) says this news is a huge blow:
"Shock and disbelief is still very prevalent in the area and will be for some time."
The company says around 542 jobs are at risk of redundancy.
Local Councillor Kieran O'Hanlon, who worked at the plant, thinks it's likely much more:
"Many towns throughout Limerick [will be impacted], even as far as Charleville," he said.
"Throughout my 33 years here, we'd have had hundreds of contractors coming in because it was such a huge plant."
It is hoped that Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney will intervene in the coming days.
