A spectacle frames manufacturer has announced it is to close at the end of May with the loss of 85 jobs.
The Studio Eyewear Company, based in Ennis, Co Clare, is a subsidiary of the Ferninand Menrad Group, whose headquarters are in Germany, and employs 1,200 worldwide.
Technical director Mr Eberhard Muller-Menrad said the closure was due to a non-competitive cost base in Ireland versus more cost-effective production in the group’s plants in China and Malta.
He said another factor "is the impact generated by low-cost competitors in a very competitive worldwide marketplace".
The Ennis plant was set up in 1962 and made titanium metal spectacle frames.
The firm will meet SIPTU shortly to discuss redundancy packages.
Mr Muller-Menrad said "every facility and support is being provided to assist staff in providing finanacial and job search advice".
Two sales representative will be kept on to service the Irish market after the closure.