Deep disappointment as 132 Laois jobs to go with factory closure

A Government TD has branded the IDA’s performance in Laois as “useless” in the wake of job losses announced by US cheese producer Leprino Foods. 

Laois TD Sean Fleming said he was shocked and saddened to hear that Leprino Foods has decided to cease manufacturing in Portlaoise in the second half of 2026.

“This is very difficult and distressing news for the 132 employees who worked in the plant and their families.  We must all do what we can to find replacement jobs as soon as possible for these employees,” he said. 

This Leprino facility, making mozzarella cheese and string cheese, is located at the J17 National  Enterprise Park. It has the capacity to produce around 45,000 tonnes of cheese every year. 

“I am asking Leprino, (an American owned company),  to do everything in its  power to continue to explore options for the manufacturing plant and to see is any other company interested in taking over the plant.

This is a very high quality, new facility connected with the dairy industry and there must be options for the plant to be used, if not for cheese manufacturing, for some other processing facility for the dairy industry,” said Dep Fleming. 

The Fianna Fail TD said IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland must immediately visit this plant with a view to ensuring that they find a replacement business for this facility.

“Over the years the IDA has been useless in terms of bringing jobs to Laois and they must now prove that they have a genuine interest in bringing jobs to the County.  The number of IDA visits to Laois in recent years has been unacceptably low and they must now prove their worth to the County.”

Dep Fleming urged Enterprise Ireland to also seek out a replacement industry for the Leprino manufacturing plant.

“Enterprise Ireland is closely connected to Irish run businesses and there must be an opportunity in view of the dairy industry being so strong in Ireland that there must be a possibility to link this plant with some other major players in the Irish or international food production industry,” he said. 

Fine Gael TD WIllie Aird has contacted Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke in relation to the plant. 

It was built in 2020 and went into operation in 2021 producing mozzarella and string cheese for the European market. The operators say they now intend to move the plant's production to existing sites in Northern Ireland and Wales. 

Deputy Aird was shocked that a state-of-the-art factory which he said was “only run-in” in terms of its operation should now be closing. 

“The announcement today by Leprino Foods that it intends to cease manufacturing operations at its state-of-the-art facility in Portlaoise by 2026 is a very serious blow to Laois and, most importantly, to the more than 100 workers and their families who are directly impacted.

I have been in immediate contact with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, to press the urgent need for Government engagement with the company, with staff representatives, and with potential new operators. The J17 National Enterprise Park facility is a world-class site, and it is vital that every effort is made to ensure that it does not lie idle following Leprino’s departure.

We need to pursue milk processors and other agri-food companies across Ireland to examine the potential of taking up this cutting-edge production facility. The skills, infrastructure, and workforce are here in Laois, and we must work collectively to safeguard local employment,” said Dep Aird. 

He said that while the decision was “deeply disappointing”, he wanted to assure those affected that the matter would be prioritised. “I will continue to work with Minister Burke, state agencies, and industry stakeholders to seek a viable future for this facility and to protect jobs in our community,” said Dep Aird. 

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley said “the announcement of the closure of the Leprino cheese factory in Portlaoise, is a huge disappointment particularly for its 132 employees.”

“This plant provided hope that at last some large-scale manufacturing would happen in the Laois area, as such industry would be attractive,” he said. 

Dep Stanley described the withdrawal of Glanbia from the partnership at the plant two years ago as an ominous sign.

“I am calling on the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to once and for all start taking Co Laois serious in terms of Industry. The fact that the IDA only had two visits to Laois in the last year, is an appalling record,” he remarked. 

He said “Laois County Council (LCC) have done more than the two together in terms of jobs in Laois. It is now time for the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to re-double their efforts.”

Laois County Council said it regrets to confirm that Leprino Foods has informed us of its decision to cease manufacturing operations at its Portlaoise facility. This development is expected to impact approximately 132 employees and their families.

“We understand that this news is a significant blow to the County and our thoughts are with all the affected workers and their families during this challenging time.

Laois County Council will continue to actively engage with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to attract new investment and employment opportunities to the County, with a particular focus on the J17 National Enterprise Park. We remain dedicated to supporting economic growth and ensuring a vibrant future for County Laois,” the Council said in a statement.  

Leprino Foods says it will provide enhanced redundancy packages, career transition assistance, and regular updates to ensure transparency at every stage of the closure process.

“In parallel to the above we will continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties,” the company stated.

It’s understood management are to begin consultation with the workers in the coming weeks. A bonus scheme has also been drawn up for workers who remain at the factory between September 1, 2025 and July 7, 2026. 

Meanwhile, SIPTU representatives are to meet with senior management at Leprino Foods in Portlaoise tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20, following the announcement that the company intends to cease production.

SIPTU Industrial Organiser, Terry Bryan, said: “Our immediate thoughts are with our members and their families following this shocking announcement this afternoon. We have already been in contact with the company and have confirmed that we will meet with them tomorrow to discuss the full implications of the decision.”

“We will engage with the company directly to see if we can lessen the impact of the decision upon our members and their families and try to explore alternatives to the proposed job losses... This is both a shocking and regrettable announcement. SIPTU’s focus and concern is for our members and our members’ families at this difficult time.”