The German science and technology company, Merck Life Science, announced yesterday it would be closing its API plant in Arklow, Co Wicklow, in 2028.
This will mean the loss of up to 100 jobs, according to local outlets.
According to RTE online, staff at the facility were told yesterday that the company planned to discontinue operations.
The company has said that all will be impacted by the plant's closure.
The news comes after a review of products at the site.
In a statement, Merck said that following "a strategic portfolio review of products at its Arklow, Ireland site, the decision has been made to discontinue the API portfolio at this site".
"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."
Manufacturing Chemist understands the decision, which Merck has said was not taken lightly, follows "careful consideration of various factors including market dynamics and customer needs."
Merck has another site located in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, which functions as its main base in the republic.
Back in 2022, the company — operating under its North American contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) arm, MilliporeSigma — announced plans to invest €440m into the expansion of its manufacturing facilities in the country, which would create more than 370 new jobs by 2028.
The investment funded both the expansion of the Carrigtwohill site as well as the construction of a new facility at Blarney Business Park, which opened in September of this year.
The 3000 sqm cleanroom at this new facility will produce advanced filtration products used in the manufacturing of therapies such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies as well as cell and gene therapies and other new modalities.