Disappointed workers who clocked out of the IFI fertiliser plant at Marino Point in Cobh for the last time yesterday said they couldn't understand how all their rescue packages had ended up on the scrap heap.
A worker director, Mr Stephen O'Riordan, who has been employed at the plant for 24 years, said the news of the closure was a deadly blow for Co Cork.
"We were called up locally and told to brace ourselves for the possible closure," he said.
"It is devastating. I am just deeply saddened. Without IFI Ireland is the only country in Europe without an indigenous fertiliser industry."
The closure of the plant with the loss of 220 jobs will have a major impact on the already troubled east Cork economy. The area has been hit in recent years by the shutting down of high-profile companies such as Irish Ispat and Youghal Carpets.
An employee, Mr Tom Morrissey, said staff felt cheated by the sudden nature of the closure, especially in light of the cost-cutting and negotiating efforts made in recent months.