Cadbury is looking for up to 450 redundancies at its Coolock plant in Dublin over the next two to three years as part of a restructuring plan. The confectionery company, which makes popular brands such as Dairy Milk chocolate, currently employs 1,500 people in Ireland.
In a statement, the company said it would now go into further talks with unions and workers on the plan.
The company said it was operating in a very competitive environment and was facing increased costs. It added that if the restructuring were implemented, it would restore competitiveness to the plant and secure an investment of more than €100m over the next couple of years.
Cadbury said it had invested €80m in Ireland since 1999 and was committed to its Irish manufacturing operations.
The news will not affect Cadbury's other plans in Tallaght and Rathmore, Co Kerry.
A SIPTU spokesperson said the union understood the redundancies were in the context of a commitment by Cadburys to remain in Ireland and to maintain employment in Coolock. SIPTU is awaiting an assessment of the company statement from shop stewards at the plant.
