More than 500 jobs at risk in proposed closure of infant formula factory

Nestle has announced plans to close an infant formula factory in Co Limerick, a move that has placed more than 500 jobs at risk.

The Wyeth Nutrition plant at Askeaton is set to close at the start of 2026 and a research and development centre located on the same site will close a year earlier under proposals laid out on Wednesday.

A total of 542 employees are at risk of redundancy, the company said.

The facilities were bought by Nestle in 2012 from Pfizer Nutrition.

The factory manufactures infant formula products for export to markets in China and elsewhere in Asia.

The factory currently employs 491 people, with 51 working in the R&D facility.

Nestle said external trends had resulted in a drop in demand for infant nutrition products in China, including what it described as a sharp fall in the birth rate.

“The market, which had previously been reliant on imported infant formula products, is also seeing rapid growth in locally produced products,” the company added.

Nestle is proposing to shift production from Co Limerick to two existing factories – in Suzhou in China and Konolfingen in Switzerland.

“These proposals have been carefully considered and are no reflection on the excellent contribution made by our employees in Askeaton over many years,” the statement added.

Nestle said it had not yet been able to find a buyer for the Askeaton operations.

“Therefore, we will commence a meaningful consultation process with our employees on a proposed closure,” the company said.

“In parallel, during this consultation we remain open to approaches from a credible buyer.

“We regret the uncertainty this announcement will cause our colleagues and their families, and we will make sure they are supported fully throughout this process.”