After fertility in China fell to the lowest level in the country's history, Nestle decided to close a factory in Ireland that produces infant formula for export, especially to Asian countries.
Accordingly, 542 workers at Nestle's Askeaton plant in Ireland and its Research and Development (R&D) facility will face layoffs from early 2025. The factory was acquired by Nestle in 2012.
In a statement released by the multinational company headquartered in Switzerland, it was reported that the R&D operations in Ireland will be transferred to one of the R&D facilities at the factory in Konolfingen, Switzerland.
Part of the infant formula production in Ireland will continue at the factory in Konolfingen and the other part at the factory in Suzhou, China.
What was said in the company's statement?
In a statement announcing the layoffs of hundreds of people, the multinational company emphasized that this step "is not a reflection of the excellent contribution made by the employees of the factory in Ireland over many years".
In Nestle's statement, it was stated that the decline in infant formula exports to China and the Asian market was the most important reason for the closure of the factory in Ireland.
China's population began to decline last year for the first time
According to Chinese data, birth rates fell to the lowest level since 1949, with 9.56 million babies born last year.
China's population began to decline last year for the first time in decades.
