Staff at the Sudocrem factory in Baldoyle in Dublin have been left devastated at the news the plant is to close next year.

The parent company, Teva Pharmaceuticals, made the announcement today having met with staff at Tosara Pharma yesterday.

More than 100 jobs are said to be affected in the decision which will see the manufacturing of the iconic brand moved to Bulgaria.

“Yesterday we met with employees at our Baldoyle plant to inform them of the proposed closure of the site, as part of a wider programme to optimise our global manufacturing network,” a Teva spokesman said.

“We know that this news is disappointing for many, but we’ll do everything we can to support all our affected employees throughout this process,” he added.

A number of employees have been working in the factory for over 20 years.

“We are devastated, no talks have started yet so we are taking the weekend to let it sink in and see what's on offer,” said one worker.

The Teva spokesman said the company will continue to have a strong presence in Ireland through its respiratory manufacturing plant in Waterford in addition to its commercial activities, and will remain committed to the Irish market.

But this was of little comfort to the Baldoyle workers whose jobs are set to go at the end of next year.