Michell close Portlaw plant

Michell Ireland Limited, the last major tannery in Ireland, based in Portlaw, County Waterford, is to close. The plant, which opened in 1993, currently employs 60 people and processes up to 25% of the cattle hides in the republic for export. The decision was taken by Michell's Australian parent company and announced on November 5. The operations of Michell Leather in Australia are not affected and they continue to operate profitably. The decision to close the plant was made with great reluctance but ongoing losses could no longer be sustained. The enormous investment made by the company to meet Environmental Protection Agency requirements was also a major drain on the competitiveness of the company. It is anticipated than an orderly wind down and closure of the plant will be completed by the end of the year. Existing supply and sales contracts will be honoured.