Over 500 jobs in Askeaton, Limerick are at risk following the announcement that an infant formula factory will close in 2026 - unless a buyer can be found. 

Wyeth Nutritionals Ireland Ltd (WNIL) was acquired by Nestlé in 2012 and makes infant formula for the Asian market.

The company employs 491 people but demand for its products have slumped in China, with only 9 million babies expected to be born in the country this year.

There has also been increased competition from infant formula made by companies within China.

A man looks at imported infant formula baby milk powder in a supermarket in Beijing, China. 09-Jul-2013. Image: Alamy.com

WNIL said it needs to “adapt to those changes” and production will be moved to two factories in Switzerland and China.

The co-located research and development centre will also close, with an additional 51 people to be made redundant in 2025.

“We will commence a meaningful consultation process with our employees on a proposed closure,” Nestlé UK & Ireland Deputy Head of Media Relations Philippa Naylor said in a statement.

“In parallel, during this consultation we remain open to approaches from a credible buyer.

“We regret the uncertainty this announcement will cause our colleagues and their families, and we will make sure they are supported fully throughout this process.”

Ms Naylor said the closure was “no reflection” on the factory’s performance and workers had made an “excellent contribution” to the company over the years.

Main image: A Chinese employee checks Wyeth baby formula for sale at a supermarket in Shanghai, China, 2 July 2013.