Speculation is mounting that up to 100 jobs may be lost at the Braun plant in Carlow town as part of a cost-cutting programme by the German firm, which manufactures small electrical appliances.

Braun employs 700 workers in Carlow and management is due to meet SIPTU officials today to discuss the jobs threat.

While both sides remained tight-lipped ahead of the talks, it is believed permanent jobs are among those at risk with the company blaming the global economic downturn and the availability of cheaper labour in eastern Europe for its decision to shed jobs here.

Responding to the growing speculation, Carlow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ms Jackie McNabb said, while Braun had not yet commented officially on its plans, the reports of imminent job losses were of major concern.

"Braun is a flagship company in Carlow and any talk about redundancies there is naturally worrying. Unfortunately in such a competitive market, this is something we have come to expect.

"The suggestion seems to be that any jobs lost here will be because specific work is being transferred within Braun to a more cost-competitive location. Any area that has multinationals is aware of this threat and the need to remain competitive, particularly in terms of employment costs and infrastructure."

Part of Gillette since 1967, Braun recorded sales worth $1.03 billion (€1.05 billion) last year.

The company has 9,000 employees worldwide, with around a quarter of a million appliances produced each day at plants in seven countries.