One of the mainstays of employment in the Co Cavan town of Virginia, Ezy Koter Ltd, is to close with the loss of 45 jobs.
The employees, mostly women, were called into the canteen yesterday morning and informed that the plant, which manufactures paint-rollers, will cease operation at the end of February.
Chief executive Mr Max Crosbey Browne blamed the closure on "cheap foreign imports". He said the company would be sitting down with trade unions to discuss a redundancy package soon.
However, SIPTU branch secretary Mr Gerry McCormack said the irony of the timing of the announcement has not been lost on the workers
"While a team of Government Ministers led by the Taoiseach are in China exploring commercial opportunities, 46 jobs in Virginia will be lost to China. It is an extremely cruel blow to these workers."
SIPTU is to make representations to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Martin, to co-ordinate the various Government agencies in the search for a replacement industry for Virginia.
Local Fine Gael county councillor Mr Paddy Reilly said: "The loss of these jobs is devastating news for the employees, their families and the local economy. All the employees live within five miles of the factory. This company has been a good employer in the area for over 30 years."
Mr Reilly added: "There had been rumours in the past number of months that it was in difficulties, but when the hatchet finally fell on the employees on Thursday morning, it was devastating."