Business

BD factory in Drogheda to close with loss of 200 jobs

Long-standing medical technology company says it took decision following a review of its manufacturing supply chain

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) describes itself as one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. File photograph

Mark Hilliard
Wed Jul 3 2024 - 12:50

Two hundred jobs are to be lost with the closure of the BD medical technology plant in Drogheda, Co Louth.

Workers at the factory, which was established in 1964, were told of the decision on Wednesday, prompting immediate union calls for Government intervention and the protection of manufacturing jobs in Ireland’s largest town.

A spokesman for the company said its decision followed a global supply chain review and the closure would be finalised by the end of 2026.

“It’s no reflection on the work the people in Drogheda have been doing. It’s very much a manufacturing decision,” he said.

READ MORE

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), which describes itself as one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world, said it remained committed to Ireland and the move would not affect any of its other sites.

Its Drogheda facility, located on the Donore Road close to the M1, manufactures products for oncology, interventional radiology and critical care. The company had recently invested and expanded the number of production lines.

It is understood the total job loss number includes 60 previously announced redundancies. BD is to work with the IDA to consider the future of the physical plant in Drogheda.

In a statement, it said it continuously reviews its global manufacturing and supply chain network to ensure efficiency.

“As a result of a recent review, a decision has been taken to gradually wind down operations at BD’s Drogheda plant over the next 2½ years. This will unfortunately potentially result in the loss of around 200 jobs,” it said.

“As a responsible business, we have to ensure that all of our operations are efficient and that our resources are allocated in the most effective manner possible.”

The announcement prompted a union call for immediate Government intervention to “protect” the local economy.

Siptu’s manufacturing divisional organiser Neil McGowan said its representatives would engage with the company in an attempt to save as many jobs as possible.

“BD has provided quality employment for decades in the Co Louth area. The announcement of the plant’s proposed closure is a devastating blow to workers, their families and the wider community,” he said.

“All stakeholders, including the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, and the IDA must get around the table with us to work on how we can save or attract quality jobs for Drogheda and the surrounding area.”

Drogheda Labour TD Ged Nash criticised the move which he described as a “massive blow” to the employees and the northeastern town.

“It will now lose it’s only large-scale IDA-backed manufacturing company. This Government and its agencies are asleep at the wheel when it comes to investment in Drogheda.”

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard is a reporter with The Irish Times

LATEST STORIES