A total of 245 jobs are to be cut at a Magna Donnelly Electronics in Naas, Co Kildare, it emerged today.
A spokeswoman for Magna Donnelly confirmed the company, which has been in the area since 1968, was seeking 245 voluntary redundancies as part of a restructuring plan.
Shane Caher, general manager, confirmed €4 million would be invested at the plant to ensure the continued manufacturing of high-value products.
But Seamus Buggle, Siptu Kildare branch secretary, claimed there had been no talks with union representatives prior to the announcement.
"It is indeed a Black Friday for these workers - many of whom have up to 30 years service in what was a flagship company in Naas since 1968," he said.
"There are no prospects of alternative employment for these workers and the loss of so many jobs will have a very damaging effect on the local economy."
Magna Donnelly Electronics is one of the largest suppliers of interior mirrors to the automotive industry in Europe. Executives have been assessing the value of the Naas plant for several months in the face of increasing financial competition from abroad.
Under the restructuring low-cost production will move to North America and Spain, resulting in 245 job cuts. A total of 235 staff will remain at the Naas site.
PA