Imperial Schrade Europe has announced that it has decided to lay off 28 people from its Irish manufacturing operation at the end of March.
The company currently employs 41 staff, producing pocket-knives and cutting tools for gardening in Listowel, County Kerry.
The remaining 13 employees will be retained in manufacturing, warehousing and sales.
"These job losses are a result of cost competitiveness pressures due to Chinese competitors' pricing and reduction in product demand," said Matthias Wolf, director and general manager of Imperial Schrade Europe.
He also said that the weakness of the dollar had created difficulties for the company.
Management says that it has commenced discussions with employee representative on redundancy terms.
