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Leprino Foods Plans to Close Cheese Factory in Ireland by 2026

Leprino Foods Plans to Close Cheese Factory in Ireland by 2026 2026, cheese, cheese factory, close, closure, dairy industry, factory, Foods, Ireland, Leprino, Leprino Foods, plans Food and Beverage Business

Leprino Foods plans to close its Portlaoise cheese manufacturing plant in Ireland in the second half of next year.

Leprino Foods, headquartered in the US, stated: “This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise site. Despite considerable efforts, the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved.”

The production of mozzarella and string cheese at the Portlaoise plant will transition to two other Leprino factories located in Magheralin, Northern Ireland, and Llangefni in Wales.

Currently, the Portlaoise facility employs 132 staff, supplying pizza manufacturers alongside quick-service and full-service restaurants.

According to Leprino Foods, this closure aims to enhance the competitiveness of its European operations while optimizing its manufacturing footprint.

The company is committed to providing redundancy packages and career transition assistance for the affected workers.

Paul Vernon, CEO of Leprino in Europe, expressed: “We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community.” He added: “We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise. This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions.”

In response to the factory closure announcement, the Irish trade union SIPTU stated that representatives will meet with Leprino Foods senior management today (20 August).

Terry Bryan, Industrial Organiser for SIPTU, said: “Our immediate thoughts are with our members and their families following this shocking announcement.” He continued: “We have already been in contact with the company and have confirmed that we will meet with them tomorrow to discuss the full implications of the decision.”

Bryan emphasized: “We will engage with the company directly to see if we can lessen the impact of the decision upon our members and their families, and try to explore alternatives to the proposed job losses.”

He concluded: “It has only been in operation since 2020 and is a modern, state-of-the-art facility. This is both a shocking and regrettable announcement.”

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