Four Glanbia branches are to close in Kilkenny along with seven of its other agribusiness branches across the country as part of the company’s rationalisation plan.
Mr Colm Eustace, chief executive, Glanbia Agribusiness said, “while there will be a number of relocation opportunities arising out of this plan, unfortunately there will be a total of between 10 and 12 redundancies. We expect that these redundancies will be achieved on a voluntary basis. Our people are our key concern and we will help people impacted to seek and achieve alternative employment.”
Glanbia is to close 11 of its 60 Agribusiness branches between July and September 2009 – including the four Kilkenny branches and the Crettyard branch in County Laois.
The branches affected in Kilkenny are: Carrigeen, Mullinavat, Loughcullen and Muckalee. Branches are also impacted in counties Tipperary (Grangemockler and Ballingarry ), Waterford (Grange ), Wicklow (Carnew ), Wexford (Foulksmills ) and Cork (Glanmire ).
In a statement Mr Eustace said, “due to the changing nature of agriculture – with more farmers buying inputs directly from factory in recent years - Glanbia Agribusiness laid out a strategy in 2005 to focus on fewer, more relevant locations. It also launched the CountryLife retail concept to focus on the part time and non farming market.
“As part of this reorganisation Glanbia Agribusiness is to open its second flagship “CountryLife” store in County Kilkenny with the opening of a Castlecomer retail outlet this autumn. This 4,000 sq ft retail outlet will also comprise of a 4,000 sq ft garden centre and 8,000 sq ft of warehousing.
“Ongoing reorganisation is essential if we are to remain competitive as a business. With 60 branches we have a very high cost base. We have invested significantly in CountryLife since 2005, which has meant the rebranding of existing branches and has resulted in four new greenfield locations. We now have 15 CountryLife outlets throughout the Glanbia catchment area, offering a range of farm inputs plus horticulture, equestrian and lifestyle products.
“We recognise that the branches are part of the legacy of the Group and have made a strong contribution locally. We are also very mindful of our committed management, staff and our loyal customers who have supported the branches over the years and are working closely with all those impacted,” he concluded.
