The Leprino Foods Company said today it will close its Portlaoise manufacturing plant in the second half of next year.
The Co Laois facility, which has a workforce of 132, produces mozzarella and string cheese.
The company called today's decision to cease manufacturing a "difficult but necessary" one, adding that it follows a comprehensive evaluation of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise site.
It said it will work with all employees on an individual basis to confirm details and implications of the closure and to support them.
As part of the consultation process, it also said it will take applications from employees to move to other Leprino sites, which would be a factor in the final number of job losses.
"Despite considerable efforts, the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved. Closing the site will help ensure that Leprino can remain competitive while optimising its manufacturing footprint to continue meeting the evolving needs of customers," it added.
Production will be transitioned to other Leprino Europe facilities in Magheralin in Northern Ireland and Llangefni in Wales, Leprino said.
The company also said it will continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties.
"We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community," Paul Vernon, the chief executive of Leprino Europe, said.
"We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise. This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions," he added.
One of the largest producers of mozzarella cheese in the world, Leprino also supplies lactose, whey protein, micellar casein, and sweet whey.
It employs more than 5,500 people worldwide and has global sales in 79 countries.
