BD Medical Technology Factory Closure in DroghedaBD Medical Technology Factory Closure in Drogheda BD, one of the largest medical technology companies in the world, has announced the closure of its factory in Drogheda, Co Louth, resulting in the potential loss of around 200 jobs. The decision, which follows a global review of BD’s supply chain, will be completed by the end of 2026. The factory, founded in 1964, manufactures products for oncology, interventional radiology, and intensive care. A company spokesman emphasized that the closure is not a reflection of the workforce’s performance but a strategic production decision. BD remains committed to Ireland, and the move will not affect its other locations. The Drogheda site has recently undergone expansion and investment in production lines. The total number of job losses includes 60 previously announced redundancies. BD will collaborate with the IDA to explore the future of the physical plant in Drogheda. The company continuously monitors its global manufacturing and supply network to ensure efficiency. The decision to phase out operations in Drogheda was made to optimize resources. The announcement has sparked concerns from the union, Siptu, which is calling for government intervention to protect the local economy. The union will engage with the company to save as many jobs as possible. Drogheda Labour MP Ged Nash criticized the move, describing it as a significant blow to workers and the town. He called for investment in Drogheda and criticized the government and agencies for inaction. BD’s decision highlights the challenges faced by manufacturing industries in Ireland amidst globalization and supply chain disruptions. It remains to be seen how the loss of jobs will impact the local economy and the broader manufacturing sector in Ireland.
The closure of BD’s medical technology factory in Drogheda, Co Louth, will result in the loss of 200 jobs.
Workers at the factory, which was founded in 1964, were informed of the decision on Wednesday, prompting immediate calls from unions for government intervention to protect manufacturing jobs in Ireland’s largest city.
A company spokesman said the decision followed a global review of its supply chain and that the closure would be completed by the end of 2026.
“It is not a reflection of the work that the people of Drogheda have done. It is very much a production decision,” he said.
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), which describes itself as one of the largest medical technology companies in the world, said it remains committed to Ireland and the move will not affect its other locations.
The Drogheda site, located on Donore Road, close to the M1, manufactures products for oncology, interventional radiology and intensive care. The company has recently invested in and expanded the number of production lines.
It is understood that the total number of job losses includes 60 previously announced redundancies. BD will work with the IDA to consider the future of the physical plant in Drogheda.
A statement said the company is continuously monitoring its global manufacturing and supply network to ensure efficiency.
“As a result of a recent review, a decision has been taken to phase out operations at BD’s Drogheda plant over the next two and a half years. This will unfortunately potentially result in the loss of around 200 jobs,” the report said.
“As a responsible company, we must ensure that all our operations are efficient and that our resources are used as effectively as possible.”
The announcement prompted a call from the union for immediate government intervention to “protect” the local economy.
Neil McGowan, the convener of Siptu’s manufacturing division, said his representatives would hold talks with the company to save as many jobs as possible.
“BD has provided quality employment in the County Louth area for decades and the announcement of the proposed closure of the plant is a devastating blow to the workers, their families and the wider community,” he said.
“All stakeholders, including the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke and the IDA, need to sit down with us to see how we can retain or attract good quality jobs to Drogheda and the surrounding region.”
Drogheda Labour MP Ged Nash criticised the move, describing it as a “huge blow” to workers and the north-east town.
“It will now lose its only large-scale IDA-backed manufacturing business. This government and its agencies are asleep at the wheel when it comes to investment in Drogheda.”
