The 3M site in Athlone.

No indication yet that 3M's global job cuts will affect Athlone site

A Government Minister has said there's been no indication of any forthcoming job losses at 3M's Athlone site, after the multinational company announced plans last month to cut 6,000 jobs globally.

3M owns the former KCI manufacturing facility in the IDA Business & Technology Park in Athlone.

Earlier this month, Westmeath-based Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke submitted a Dáil question asking what Government engagement had taken place in order to try to minimise job losses at the company's Irish facilities in Athlone and Dublin.

In his response, Simon Coveney, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said he had been informed by IDA Ireland that there were no signs yet of any job losses at the Athlone facility.

"Following consultation with the company, IDA Ireland have informed my Department that, at present, there are no indications of any potential job losses at the company's Athlone site," stated Minister Coveney in his written response.

"KCI Ireland is 3M's sole manufacturing site for vacuum assisted wound healing therapy units for global markets," he said.

"The site also manages the V.A.C. global supply chain to oversee manufacturing for third party manufacturers, global purchasing and supplier agreements as well as the distribution of therapy units and other KCI product lines. KCI joined the 3M portfolio as part of their Acelity acquisition in 2019."

The Minister said IDA Ireland was engaging with 3M about an anticipated "reduction in headcount" at its Digital Health Science R&D Centre in Dublin.

Minister Coveney added that the IDA was "engaged with site leaders" at both the Athlone and Dublin facilities "on an ongoing basis".