Sixty-two jobs are to go with the closure of the Dawn Dairies liquid milk production facility in Moate, Co Westmeath. Kerry Group said yesterday it would relocate the manufacturing operations to dairies in Limerick and Galway, where spare capacity existed. Production is expected to cease in Moate by the end of April.
The main union representing staff at the plant yesterday claimed that the decision would "tear the heart out" of Moate. The former Snowcream plant was purchased by Kerry Group in 1986 and currently employs 82 staff. The company confirmed that 20 sales, collection and distribution jobs will be retained at the plant. Consultants have been engaged to find alternative employment for staff. Unions and management will meet on Monday to negotiate redundancy settlements.