Liquidators were appointed to the Clonmel pharmaceutical company yesterday putting staff out of a job with immediate effect.
The issue is set to be raised in the Dáil later while on Tipp Today there were calls for the new Jobs Minister to come to the Premier and work with the IDA to secure an alternative employer.
With very little warning staff were called into a meeting in the Suir Pharma canteen yesterday to be told that the company was insolvent, a provisional liquidator had been appointed by the High Court and that they were to clear their lockers with immediate effect.
Parent company Saneca cited losses of over 5 million euro as one of the reasons.
The plant has been in South Tipp for over four decades and many of the employees have long years of service.
One of them Andy Maloney, who is also a local councillor, says the firm's handling of the closure was appalling.
The plant had been in difficulties in recent years and staff had accommodated management through a series of measures to ensure its long-term viability – but will get nothing for their efforts now but statutory redundancy – with the government having to foot the bill.
Yesterday's announcement brings to 250, the number of jobs lost in Clonmel in 6 weeks and a public meeting on the issue is due to be held in the town tomorrow.
CEO of Clonmel Chamber Brian Cleary says its very concerning for the local economy, particularly as Suir Pharma traded extensively with local companies.
The issue is set to be raised in the Dáil by both Independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Seamus Healy who are also calling on the IDA to work closely with all the stakeholders to try and secure a new company.
Meanwhile in a statement Suir Pharma said that adverts would be placed this week with a view to attracting a buyer for the business which it says will be marketed as a going concern.
A spokesperson said that the liquidator from Grant Thornton will contact relevant state agencies for assistance.
