The phasing out of 27 jobs in the west Clare firm of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Ireland was announced yesterday.
However, along with the job losses, the company confirmed an investment of €3 million in new manufacturing techniques that is set to secure the remaining 72 jobs at the Kilrush-based plant.
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance plastics, including fluropolymer-coated glass fabrics, film, adhesive strips, sealed capsules and other medical products.
Speaking yesterday, European managing director of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Tony Kennedy, said: "The company's commitment to Kilrush is very evident by its decision to invest further in the plant.
"The role of the employees and their close co-operation at all stages in this process was a huge factor in securing this major investment."
He said: "The incorporation of new technologies and techniques will ensure that 72 jobs remain in Kilrush and not be lost to eastern production competition."
He anticipates that most of the job cuts will come through voluntary redundancies.
The implementation of the redundancy programme at the Clare company will start early next year and will be completed over a three-year period.
