Smurfit Kappa Cork today confirmed that it wants to cut up to 140 jobs at its plant in Togher.
Management says the decision to cut jobs is as a result of the major downturn in the Irish manufacturing industry, which is hitting the company's business volumes.
It said it was starting talks with its employees and their representatives regarding the cuts. 30 jobs are to be retained at the plant to service local clients in the Munster region.
Meanwhile, Bausch and Lomb, the global eye health company, today confirmed that it is seeking 120 redundancies at its Waterford plant where 1,200 people currently work.
Management at the plant met employees and trade unions representatives last night. This morning it informed them that it is also moving production of some of its range of contact lenses from Waterford to Rochester, where Bausch and Lomb is headquartered.
The company said it was making these changes as manufacturing costs are lower in Rochester than in Waterford.
Bausch & Lomb also told its employees that in addition to job losses, significant cost savings are necessary as well as increased automation at the Waterford plant.
In March, Bausch and Lomb announced 195 job losses, all on a voluntary basis.
Tyrone based firm expands into Leinster
Meanwhile, O'Kane Plumbing and Electrics today announced the creation of at least 70 new jobs as it expands its renewable energies services.
The jobs will mainly be based in the Leinster region and will further establish the Co Tyrone company's base in the Republic.
The new jobs will be created over the next three years and will offer positions for skilled trades people, trained surveyors, administrative and managerial staff. The company also hopes to expand its apprenticeship programme in the Republic.
