Leprino Foods to close Portlaoise site in 2026

Production will instead be transitioned to other Leprino Europe facilities in Magheralin, Co. Down, and Llangefni, Wales (Pic: Pexels)

Leprino Foods will close its Portlaoise plant in 2026, impacting 132 jobs, with production moving to Northern Ireland and Wales

Print

Print

News

Leprino Foods has recently confirmed it will close its Portlaoise manufacturing plant in the second half of next year, in what it describes as a “difficult but necessary decision.”

The Co. Laois site, which employs 132 people, specialises in mozzarella and string cheese production.

Sustainability

However, following what the company calls a comprehensive review, it concluded that the level of sustainable improvements required at the facility could not be achieved.

Production will instead be transitioned to other Leprino Europe facilities in Magheralin, Co. Down, and Llangefni, Wales.

According to RTÉ, Paul Vernon, CEO of Leprino Europe, said: “We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise.

“This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions.”

The company has pledged to work closely with all affected staff, offering one-to-one consultations and support.

Employees will also have the option to apply for roles at other Leprino sites, which will influence the final number of redundancies.

Leprino said it will also explore alternative opportunities for the Portlaoise facility with any interested third parties.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Leprino is the world’s largest mozzarella producer, supplying cheese, lactose, whey protein, micellar casein, and sweet whey across 79 countries.

It employs more than 5,500 people globally.

Read more: Tesco Ireland opens store in Portlaoise

© 2025, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan

Related Articles

Alliance webinar: ‘Negotiating Your Premium – Tools and Tips with Fintan Kennedy’ →

Over 70% of adults believe Re-Turn Scheme has been a success →

Motorists urged never drink and drive this St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday →

Primeline and Tayto sign 10-year multimillion-euro deal →