Updated 6.37pm
CADBURY’S PARENT COMPANY, Mondelez, is cutting 222 jobs in its Kerry and Dublin operations as it changes up its product manufacturing list – closing a chewing gum plant, getting rid of the Pink Snack and moving the production of TimeOuts to Poland.
Two of the Cadbury chocolate manufacturing plants have been providing employment in Rathmore and Coolock since 1948 and 1932 but the firm’s plans for the facilities will see 160 jobs lost.
The third, a Trident chewing gum operation in Tallaght, will close completely in 2016. Forty-five permanent roles and 17 contract jobs are being cut as a result, with “too many cost challenges” and a “decline in demand for chewing gum” blamed.
Mondalez said the closure came after an “in-depth review” which showed Tallaght was “twice as expensive as other similar plants”. It also said that “the development of a new, superior technology for the production of end-to-end gum products supersedes the current technology in Tallaght”.
Explaining 160 job losses in Kerry and Coolock, Mondalez said that changes were needed to ensure the chocolate production business is sustainable.
“The proposals include a €11.7 million investment in new chocolate making technology to enable Coolock to concentrate production on core chocolate brands; Cadbury Dairy Milk 8-square, Flake, Twirl and Boost, for consumption in Ireland and the export market.
From the end of 2015, the Coolock plant will no longer produce wafer brands Time Out and Pink Snack, sales of which have been in decline for a number of years.
Time Out bars will continue to be produced in Poland but the Pink Snack is being discontinued. They will no longer be available to buy once current stock runs out.
Managing Director Justin Cook said the company regrets the role reductions.
Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said he had been engaging with the firm’s senior management in recent days to try and reverse their decision.
“Unfortunately, due to a cost base which is significantly out of line with competitor countries, it appears likely that the company will proceed,” he said in a statement today.
“My first thoughts are with the workers and their families as they receive this very difficult news,” he added.
Trade union Unite said the announcement was unexpected, leaving members “both shocked and angry”. It will be meeting with management next month.
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