Calls for jobs to be protected at Glen Dimplex in Newry

Glen Dimplex, a heating company, is facing renewed pressure to reconsider planned job cuts at its Newry, Co Down manufacturing plant. The SIPTU union has urged the company to urgently explore alternatives to the proposed reduction of 51 positions.

Job Cuts and Union Response

SIPTU organizers report that their members have voiced “deep concern and anger” regarding the potential job losses. According to Niall McNally, a SIPTU organizer, the proposed cuts represent nearly 50% of the workforce at the Newry site, raising significant questions about the plant’s long-term viability.

Broader Restructuring

These planned cuts are part of a larger restructuring effort by Glen Dimplex, initially announced in February 2024. This reorganization includes investments across operations in Ireland and Lithuania. The company initially projected up to 300 redundancies in the short term, but also anticipated creating 200 new roles by 2029.

Did You Know? Glen Dimplex initially announced a major reorganization and investment in its operations in February 2024, impacting sites in both Ireland and Lithuania.

Further job cuts were announced in January 2025, affecting approximately 70 positions at the company’s Dunleer, Co Louth plant.

Company Perspective

A company spokesperson stated that the overall reduction in headcount remains consistent with projections made two years ago. However, the timing and specific locations of these cuts have been affected by what the spokesperson described as a “slower pace of the energy transition.”

Expert Insight: The company’s reference to the “slower pace of the energy transition” suggests that demand for their products may not be materializing as quickly as initially forecast, leading to a reassessment of staffing needs. This highlights the risks associated with relying on projections in rapidly evolving sectors.

What May Happen Next

SIPTU is seeking “meaningful engagement” with Glen Dimplex management and is pushing for the exploration of alternatives to compulsory redundancies. It is possible that further negotiations could lead to a revised plan, potentially involving voluntary redundancies or retraining programs. However, without a change in the broader economic conditions impacting the energy transition, the company may proceed with its original plans. The future viability of the Newry plant could depend on the outcome of these discussions and the company’s long-term investment strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scale of the proposed job cuts in Newry?

Glen Dimplex plans to cut 51 jobs at its manufacturing plant in Newry, Co Down. This represents almost 50% of the site’s workforce.

Has Glen Dimplex made job cuts elsewhere recently?

Yes, in January 2025, Glen Dimplex announced around 70 job cuts at its plant in Dunleer, Co Louth.

What is Glen Dimplex’s explanation for the job cuts?

The company states that the timing of the cuts has been impacted by the “slower pace of the energy transition,” but overall headcount reductions remain consistent with those announced two years ago.

How might shifts in the energy sector impact manufacturing employment in Ireland?