The transfer of medical manufacturing jobs to Asia is a very worrying development, it was claimed tonight.
The BSN Medical factory in Thurles, Co Tipperary is to lay off 40 of its 122 full and part-time workers in order to outsource manufacturing to Asia and the USA.
Labour Party Senator Kathleen O'Meara said she was very concerned at the job losses. "It is worrying, however, that once again Ireland is losing out as a company opts to locate certain operations in Asia where overall costs are cheaper. We cannot continue to lose out to these markets in this manner," she said.
BSN Medical has a workforce of 3,000 in 16 countries worldwide and manufactures medical products which include plaster bandages, surgical gloves and first aid dressings.
The company is ending the manufacture of the Futuro range of bandages for knees, elbows, ankles, backs and wrists at its Thurles plant.
Ms O'Meara said the town could not afford to lose jobs on this scale. "That is why, first and foremost, alternative employment must be secured for those affected by today's announcement," she said.
BSN Medical will continue to manufacture products in Thurles for patients suffering from foot problems and diseases of the veins. "The company wishes to acknowledge the dedication, loyalty and performance of our Thurles employees and the decision to close this Futuro product line, in no way reflects on their performance," said a spokesman.
He added that the staff would be offered voluntary redundancy terms of six weeks pay, plus the statutory redundancy of two weeks pay, for every year worked.