Ireland’s last major tannery, Michell Ireland Limited, it to close its doors after ten years in operation.

The Australian-owned company is Ireland’s largest wet blue producer, specialising in processing for the automotive and furniture industries. The plant currently employs 60 and processes for export up to a quarter of the country’s cattle hides.

A spokesperson for the Portlaw, Co Waterford-based company blamed the closure on the continuing rationalisation of the world leather industry, which has been exacerbated by the strong Euro and rising costs. The expense of meeting Environmental Protection Agency requirements was also cited as a major drain on the competitiveness of the company.

Michell Ireland anticipates that the wind down and closure of the plant will be completed by the end of the year. The operations of Michell Leather in Australia will not be affected by the decision, the company says.

The development coincided with the official closure of the hide collecting firm, Irish Hides and Skins. The firm has previously collected over 6,000 fresh hides per week.

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