By Business & Finance 
In a statement released today, HP has stated the decision to close its global print business at the Leixlip site in Dublin.
It is likely that close to 500 HP employees will be impacted and leave the business over the next 12 months.
HP set up its first HP sales office in Ireland in 1976, and its HP Liffey Park Technology Campus in Leixlip was established in 1995.
In November 2015 the company separated into two companies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc (HP).
The statement read: “HP’s global print business is working to drive continuous efficiencies and cost savings that enable investment in new market opportunities and growth initiatives, such as 3D printing.“This decision is not a reflection on our Ireland employees or on the site’s performance.
“We are very aware of the impact this decision will have on our employees in Ireland and we are focusing all of our efforts on supporting them, on identifying opportunities for them and on providing a programme to help them prepare for the transition ahead.
“Ireland has been an important location for HP and remains an excellent environment for technology companies. Ireland will remain a key market for HP, where we will maintain the sales operations for our printing and personal systems business.”
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’ Connor commented: “My officials and I, together with the IDA, have had extensive discussions with the company in an effort to avert these job losses. I am in daily contact with the IDA and I have asked the agency to continue with their efforts to ensure jobs are delivered to the region. IDA will continue to work with the company in the time ahead to help secure a buyer for the Leixlip site. Securing investment for Kildare and the surrounding region is a continuing priority.”
She continued: “We have to work hard to ensure we remain competitive and continue to encourage companies into Ireland as well as supporting our home grown businesses.”
