THE scale of redundancies being sought at Limerick manufacturing plant Kostal has left SIPTU representatives in a state of shock and anger, following last week’s announcement of 140 job losses by the end of 2026.
Based in Abbeyfeale, Kostal informed employees last Friday (February 6) it had made “the difficult decision to restructure its Irish operations in Limerick”.
The job losses impact 95 operator roles and 45 non-operator positions, following the company’s decision to transfer production of its on-board chargers (OBC) out of Ireland. OBCs allow electric cars to charge from the electricity grid.
In a statement to the Limerick Post, a spokesman for the company said that “as part of the restructuring process, Kostal will still maintain its presence in Ireland continuing with a range of business activities in Abbeyfeale”.
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
SIPTU representative Eva Mitchell hit out that “while there had been indications that job losses were imminent since late last year, due to the production of OBCs being moved overseas, the confirmation of the scale of the redundancies has caused deep distress and anger among employees, their families, and the wider community. The loss of 140 skilled, high-value jobs will be widely felt and will have a lasting impact locally.”
“Kostal’s Irish workforce has given decades of dedicated service to the company. The commitment, skill, and professionalism they have shown would seem to count for little in the face of changes driven by global trade factors beyond their ability to influence.”
She added that “the 30-day statutory consultation period between the company and workers’ representatives is due to begin next week. SIPTU will fully engage in this process to protect our union members’ interests and secure the best possible outcome available to them.”
“Any redundancies arising from the process will initially be voluntary. We are also calling upon state agencies to engage with the community in planning for the creation of future high-quality jobs, which the local economy depends on.”
Kostal has operated in Abbeyfeale since 1981, manufacturing automotive products for the global automotive industry, with OBC products being manufactured since 2011.
This business restructuring relates only to Kostal’s Abbeyfeale site and does not impact the company’s operations in Mallow, County Cork.