Ireland: Bombshell -Dell axes 1900 jobs in Limerick and plans new manufacturing plant at Lodz in Poland

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Computer multi-national Dell has announced that it is cutting 1,900 jobs at its plant in Limerick over the next 12 months.

Dell will move all production of computer systems for customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa from Limerick to its Polish facility and third-party manufacturers over the next year...(RTE)

Currently Dell employs 3,000m workers at its Limerick plant. The loss of 1900 jobs is a shattering blow not alone to Limerick but to the entire Mid-West region. In addition thousands of jobs in spin off industries are likely to go. Dell says it will continue to employ approximately 1,000 staff in Limerick to coordinate supply chain, manufacturing and logistics for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has confirmed that a Government Task Force will now be formed to promote economic activity in the region.

Dell plans closure of Limerick plant-Sunday Business Post Report

An article in the Sunday Business Post reports that:

Up to 2,000 job losses are expected at Dell in Limerick in the new year when the computer firm announces its intention to cut back manufacturing in Ireland.....

Unemployment in Limerick has risen from 7,630 in November 2007 to 12,886 in November 2008- an increase of 69%. In addition the decision by Aer Lingus to discontinue the Heathrow service is a further blow to the economy of the Mid West region. It is an open secret that Dell was considering its options. Nevertheless the loss of 2000 jobs at Dell-if realised- would be catastrophic.