More than 60 workers at the Kent Plastics factory at Derrychara, near Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, were coming to terms last night with the loss of their jobs.
Managing director Mr Denis McKinney told workers on Thursday that despite three months of effort from the management union representatives, the factory, which made car parts in the town for 40 years, would not reopen.
Mr McKinney blamed the closure on the loss of one of its best customers to other suppliers, and a failure to find adequate replacements.
Meanwhile, furniture manufacturers John E. Coyle in Monaghan town announced on Wednesday that its employees would face a two-week "suspension of work".
The employees were informed they would receive a week's pay for last week and one day's holiday pay for Easter Monday, but nothing for the following fortnight.
Managing director Mr Tony Coyle refused to comment on the situation. Employers in the region, however, blame high insurance costs for the downturn in the industry.
The Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, said he was very concerned at the suspension of work at Coyles.