Roche workers look for company meeting as 240 jobs at risk

The Swiss based bio-tech company, which has operated in Co Clare since 1974, informed employees of the move on Thursday.

The exit results from a review of Roche’s worldwide network which notes an ‘”underutilisation” as regards their current portfolio.

He said they did not know when Roche plans to leave and that the union will work with the IDA to try and secure the jobs by selling the site to another company.

The job losses does not affect the more than 80 staff at Roche’s pharmaceutical operation in City West in Dublin.

In a news release, Roche, the world’s largest biotech company, announced plans to exit from four manufacturing sites across the globe, including the site in Florence.

The announcement “came as a complete shock”, SIPTU Sector Organiser Alan O’Leary said.

Gerry Cahill, managing director of Roche Ireland said the decision was in no way a reflection on the people or the site.

“Today is a very hard day for everyone on site”.

Approximately 100 SIPTU members are employed at the plant in process operations and laboratory technician roles.

“We are aware of the impact this decision has on our colleagues, and we will do our utmost to support them during this transition”, he said in a statement.

“Union representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with the company to discuss how these jobs can be saved”. As a result the company is exiting sites in SC in the U.S., Spain, and Italy in addition to the Clarecastle plant.

Roche’s profits, although significant at €9.45m a year ago, were down €2m on 2013, with revenues plummeting 20pc – a move towards newer medicines being the company’s new focus.

Roche estimated the restructuring would cost it CHF 1.6 billion ($1.599 billion) through 2021, of which up to CHF 600 million ($599.87 million) will be paid in cash.

So much so that Roche Holding is investing in a new Swiss facility, while major investment has gone into its biologics manufacturing capacity in the past two years.