By Dan Walsh
The closure of the Merck Pharmaceutical Plant in Arklow, announced today, is expected to result in the loss of approximately 100 jobs.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com; Deputy Brian Brennan said; “I was deeply shocked to hear the news of the decision to discontinue operations at the Arklow facility by the end of 2028.
“The Merck Life Science facility in Arklow has long been a large employer in the town, with upwards of 100 staff employed there and my foremost concern is for all of the potentially impacted employees and their families at this uncertain time.
“While this is a shock to the people of Arklow and South Wicklow/North Wexford we do have time to work on this to both engage with Merck and to provide support to the workers and to that end I am calling for an urgent task force to manage this issue,” stated Deputy Brennan.
A communications source for Merck Life Science stated that “following a strategic portfolio review of products at our Arklow, Ireland site, Merck has made the decision to discontinue the API portfolio.
“As a result of this decision, it is proposed to discontinue operations at the Arklow facility by the end of 2028, consultation on this proposal will commence immediately.
“This decision has not been taken lightly; it follows careful consideration of various factors including market dynamics, and customer needs. We continue to highly value each of our colleagues’ contributions to ensure operations and output for our customers and patients.
“The site, which was acquired by Merck in 2015, employs approximately 100 people, who will all be impacted by this proposal.
“We are engaging with employees and their trade union representatives (SIPTU) on this matter and providing support as necessary. Employee contracts are unaffected during this consultation period.”
WexfordLocal.com 