Blow to Athy as 25 jobs to go at Etex metal plant
The Etex metal forming plant in Athy is set to close by 18 December, with the loss of up to 25 jobs
ETEX Ireland has proposed cutting between 20 and 25 jobs at its manufacturing facility in Athy as part of plans to end metal forming operations at the site.
There are currently 165 people employed at the Athy plant. The company has presented the proposals to employees and their representatives, with a formal consultation process now under way with workers and trade unions.
If the plans proceed, metal forming production at the plant is expected to be phased out, with operations currently scheduled to end on 18 December 2026. Etex Ireland said the proposed job losses follow a review of its metal business, which it said has been operating amid ‘highly competitive market conditions, sustained margin pressure and limited opportunities to differentiate’ its products.
The company said the difficult construction market, combined with the significant investment required to maintain and upgrade the metal operation, meant it could not support a sustainable long-term business case for continuing the activity.
The proposed job losses relate specifically to the metal forming operation. Etex said it plans to retain a significant presence in Athy and concentrate the site on its core fibre cement slate manufacturing activities.
Etex said the proposed changes are intended to secure the long-term future of the Athy operation while maintaining fibre cement slate manufacturing as the site’s central activity.
“Etex Ireland will retain a significant presence in Athy, with slate production remaining at the heart of the site’s future,” the company said.
The final number of jobs affected will depend on the outcome of the consultation process.
The company said: “The proposal could affect between 20 to 25 roles across the business. As consultation is underway, it is too early to comment on potential outcomes at this stage, but our priority is to support all employees and teams who may be impacted.
“The company will work closely with employee representatives throughout the consultation process to explore redeployment opportunities at Athy and across the wider Etex group business, including suitable vacancies, skills matching and training, where feasible.”
Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District, Labour cllr Mark Leigh, described the proposed job losses as “a real blow”:
In a statement to the , he said: ‘The loss of a number of local jobs will be a real blow to the workers affected, their families and the wider community.
‘It is particularly difficult news at this time of year, when people should be looking forward to Christmas and the year ahead rather than facing uncertainty about their employment. My thoughts are with all of the employees affected by the closure. I hope every effort will be made to support them through this difficult period and to help them secure alternative employment.
‘The metal plant has been part of the Athy industrial community for many years, and its closure will certainly be felt locally.’
