19 March 2007 - Irish sweets maker Zed Candy is planning to transfer its manufacturing operations from its plant in Kilcock, County Kildare, to China in mid-2008. About 75 jobs will be cut, reports the Irish press.
The company’s management based its decision on Zed Candy’s struggle to remain competitive and on the high costs of manufacturing in Ireland compared to costs in China.
Political party Fine Gael reacted to the company’s announcement by describing the situation as a “devastating blow to Kildare”.
"The Government's failure to tackle the rising cost of doing business in Ireland has contributed to the company's decision to close. This will be a key challenge for a new Fine Gael/Labour Government”, the party added in a statement.
The company will transfer production to a new facility in Dong Guan near Hong Kong.