Green Isle Foods is to close its fish breading facility based in Boyle, Co Roscommon, with the loss of 78 jobs by early September.
The company said the closure is a result of production efficiency measures aimed at maintaining its 'leadership position in the highly competitive frozen fish market place'. The work will be transferred to a UK facility.
The breading facility in Boyle is part of Green Isle's Irish business which produces the Donegal Catch brand of convenience fish products. Primary processing, procurement, quality control, R&D, sales and marketing, and brand development will continue unchanged at Green Isle's operations in Gurteen and Naas.
Headquartered in Naas, Co Kildare, Green Isle is part of Northern Foods' Frozen division. It employs over 1,300 people with operations in Naas, Portumna, Longford, Gurteen and Boyle and produces a range of branded frozen foods
'Today's announcement follows an extensive review of the cost structure of Green Isle's fish business. The fish business continues to be successful, employing over 120 people in Ireland. However, we have taken this regrettable, but unavoidable decision and this action positions the business for the long-term, on a more competitive footing,' commented Kieran Carolan, Managing Director of Green Isle Foods.
He said the closure of the Boyle plant will protect the remaining jobs and ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the business and the company's 'Donegal Catch' brand.
