More than 150 staff at the Swissco plant in Little Island are facing job losses. On Tuesday the Cork-based supplier of ready-made meals informed staff that it has not been profitable for some time and closing the plant seems the only viable option.

Staff at the food-processing facility say they were told that they face redundancy. The company has issued a statement saying it has not been profitable for some time and closing the plant seems the only viable option. Picture: Daragh Mac Sweeney/Provision

It said however, that it may be possible to relocate some staff, but, many others will be facing redundancy.

While Swissco said it believes the only solution is to close the factory, it added it will be engaging in a full consultation process with employees and their representatives to look at alternative options.

Fine Gael Cork East TD David Stanton shas described the news as another body blow to the Cork region.

"My thoughts go out to the employees of Swiss Co and their families. The statement from the company that closing the plant seems the only 'viable option' will come as a kick in the teeth to all these workers, some of whom who have been working in the plant for decades," he said.

Concluding Deputy Stanton said that he was very disappointed that the decision has been taken to close the plant and is now calling on the Government, the IDA and other State Agencies to begin discussions immediately with the international owners to initiate some form of survival plan. "Every avenue needs to be explored to see if the plant can be kept open and the jobs saved," he said.

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