A French skincare firm is to shed half its workforce in Cork with the loss of up to 50 jobs on the northside of the city.
Yves Rocher has announced it plans to cut its workforce by half in Cork city. The company has advised that it is to move two of its existing production lines to Rheux, in Brittany, which is currently operating under capacity. The company has cited the cost of shipping as a reason for its decision.
Siptu organiser Paul Depuis has said the announcement is a major blow to the workforce on the northside of Cork city.
“The announcement comes as a major shock to our members in light of the fact that major restructuring had taken place in 2014/2015. Siptu representatives met with the company to seek more detail and explore whether measures could be applied to preserve as many roles as possible.”
It is understood further meetings will be held with the company in the coming weeks arising out of the announcement.
Yves Rocher commenced operations in Cork in 1981 and established its Dublin Hill facility in 1984.
At the last major investment in the plant in 2010, Jacques Rocher, the then president of the Yves Rocher Foundation, said the Cork facility has been a key element of the Yves Rocher network since its establishment.
It is the main producer for strategic Yves Rocher brands such as Riche Creme Pure Calmille, Arnica and Serum Vegetale.
In 2014, Yves Rocher ordered a restructuring of the manufacturing operations in Cork with two production lines sent from Cork to Brittany. This resulted in a 33 per cent reduction in operational activity at the Cork site.
