178 jobs are to go at electrical components factory ABB in Waterford.
The company, which manufactures distribution transformers for the construction and utility markets in Ireland and the UK, will close its doors by the end of March 2010.
In a statement, the firm says it is closing because of ‘significantly lower orders and lack of potential business’.
ABB is a Swiss-Swedish-owned company and employs over 400 people at five different locations in Ireland.
It says it is consulting with staff and unions at the plant.
The factory has been in operation in Waterford since 1951.
