Just over three years ago, the company announced it would be creating 1,300 jobs at the new facility. However in 2002, plans for the project were put on hold pending further reviews, and Cardinal has now officially told the Industrial Development Agency of Ireland (IDA) that it has been shelved.
When the project was agreed in December 2000, Longford was trumpeted as an important part of Cardinal's strategy for Europe. However, the company has since said that it favours growth by acquisition rather than greenfield development.
Just last year, Cardinal signed deals to buy contract manufacturer and distributor Intercare of the UK for $400 million and protein production specialist Gala Biotech for $15 million.