Smurfit Westrock Proposes 55 Job Cuts at Lurgan Packaging Plant

Smurfit Westrock has begun a consultation process over a proposed restructuring at its Lurgan packaging plant that could result in 55 job losses, according to the company and Unite the Union.

The proposed cuts represent about one-third of the workforce at the site, Unite said. The union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, said there was “absolutely no justification” for the job reductions.

Smurfit Westrock said the restructuring forms part of a planned investment programme over the next 18 months aimed at strengthening and modernising its operations. The company said the proposed changes are focused on securing a “resilient and sustainable future for the business and our customers.”

The Lurgan operation manufactures corrugated packaging for industries including food, beverage and cosmetics. Smurfit Westrock, which also operates a site in Dublin, employs approximately 97,000 people across 40 countries.

Unite regional officer Sean McKeever said affected workers “face losing their livelihoods” and expressed concern that the proposed restructuring could be the first step toward closing the site.

The union described the proposed redundancies as the latest setback for manufacturing in the Lurgan area, pointing to large-scale redundancies in recent years at Glen Dimplex and Associated Press in nearby Portadown.

Smurfit Westrock said the restructuring is expected to be completed by the end of the year.