Wexford TD seeks urgent assurances over 1,100 Integer jobs after KKR takeover deal

A Wexford TD is calling for urgent Government intervention to secure the future of more than 1,100 jobs at Integer in New Ross following the medical-device company’s proposed takeover by global investment firm KKR.

Labour TD George Lawlor has written to Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke asking him to urgently seek a meeting with both Integer management and representatives of KKR.

Integer announced earlier this month that it had entered into an agreement to be acquired by KKR in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $5.7 billion. The deal is expected to be completed before the end of the year, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

Deputy Lawlor says he wants the Minister to seek clear assurances about the future of the New Ross facility and the protection of the approximately 1,100 people employed there.

He is also seeking clarity on what supports or interventions the State could provide to help secure the long-term viability of the plant.

The call comes following a period of uncertainty for workers, who were left without pay during a recent two-week temporary shutdown at the New Ross facility.

Deputy Lawlor said employees and their families now need timely and accurate information about what the proposed change in ownership could mean for them.

“This company is hugely important to County Wexford. It’s hugely important to the New Ross community and indeed the entire region.”

He said Government should engage directly with both Integer and KKR to establish their plans for the facility and ensure workers are not left facing continued uncertainty.

Integer remains one of County Wexford’s largest private-sector employers.

Deputy Lawlor said the scale of the workforce means securing the long-term future of the New Ross operation is of major importance not just to those employed at the facility, but to families and businesses throughout the wider region.