Läpple Ireland Closes Factory In Carlow Town

140 Jobs Lost As Firm Ends Thirty-Year Presence

German manufacturing firm Läpple has announced that it plans to lay off 140 of its workers in at its plant in Carlow town.

Läpple Ireland said that its factory in the town will be closed later this year after absorbing heavy losses in recent years.

The company says it has been seriously affected by the increasing competitive and cost pressures affecting Ireland's manufacturing sector.

Läpple , a manufacturer of metal parts for the automobile industry has had a presence in Carlow since 1974.

Micheál Martin TD Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said that the closure of the Läpple facility in Carlow will come as a devastating blow to the employees and their families.

"Our thoughts today are first and foremost with those who have lost their jobs.

"I have asked that the State's agencies provide all assistance necessary to upskill those with a view to finding alternative employment.

"This announcement underlines the ongoing challenge facing the Government and the country as a whole. We, in Government, are committed and determined to pursue policies which will maintain Ireland's competetiveness in the face of strong global competition", Minister Martin concluded.