IN a surprise development, a total of 375 jobs have been saved at the pharmaceutical giant, Roche in Clarecastle.
Following weeks of speculation, employees arriving at work on Wednesday were told that a decision has been made to keep the plant open, amid an international cull of jobs.
Roche had been conducting an overhaul of its business and research operation at Clarecastle, which employs a large number of Limerick people and it was widely expected that the plant was up for the chop.
And fears were ramped up when testing for a new cholesterol drug, which was to be manufactured at the plant, was halted.
In a surprise development on Wednesday, a company spokesperson confirmed to the Limerick Post that the Clarecastle manufacturing plant itself will be unaffected, adding that there are “no plans at this time to reduce the number of employees”.
Sven Hauptmann, Managing Director of Roche Ireland said:
“This is good news for the site and allows us in Clarecastle to continue demonstrating the value we add to Roche and to the local community.”
The 225 permanent staff and 150 contract workers represent huge revenue in the Mid West and the spin-off from the plant for other businesses is seen as the lifeblood of the area.
A spokesperson has confirmed that management at the plant will meet with staff over the coming days to explain further the situation and to answer any questions.
