200 jobs to go at Baxter’s Castlebar plant

200 jobs to go at Baxter’s Castlebar plant


Healthcare company Baxter seeks voluntary redundancies from permanent staff in Mayo


Rowan Gallagher

BAXTER Healthcare, the largest employer in Mayo’s county town of Castlebar, has this evening announced plans to make a total of 200 staff at the plant redundant during 2011.
A statement released by the company said that 150 voluntary redundancies from its 1,100 strong workforce in Co Mayo over the coming 12 months would be sought. In addition, Baxter will not renew approximately 50 temporary contracts during the same period.
The statement went on to say that the reduction in jobs was driven by the global economic downturn, the subsequent impact of European healthcare cost-savings measures and the ongoing need to improve cost-competitiveness. It was also stated that while decisions like this are difficult to take, the redundancies are necessary to secure the long-term viability of the operation. Baxter anticipates achieving the majority of the job reductions through a voluntary process.
“As an organisation, we are very proud of all that we have achieved over the last 38 years. We have a very committed and engaged workforce totally dedicated to providing products and services that save and sustain thousands of patient’s lives every day,” said General Manager of the plant, Mr Pat Gallagher
“The manufacturing sites in Mayo will continue to remain an important and integral part of the Baxter manufacturing network worldwide, and we approach the future with confidence. Process and technology investments will continue so that we can provide enhanced high-value therapies to the patients we serve for many years to come,” added Mr Gallagher.
Baxter Ireland has been established for over 40 years. Facilities include business centres in Dublin and Belfast, a state-of-the-art compounding facility in Dublin and Renal Care Centres in Antrim and Dublin.
Manufacturing facilities are located in two Mayo locations, Castlebar and Swinford. A European Financial Shared Services Centre is also based in Dublin. In total, Baxter Ireland employs approximately 1,300 people.