Dell will stop manufacturing in Limerick, Ireland.

American computer giant Dell will cut 1,900 jobs and shut down production in Limerick, its largest manufacturing site outside the USA.

Dell announced that it will end production at its Limerick site in favour of a new facility in Poland. The move is part of Dell’s $3 million cost reduction initiative.

Sean Corkery, Vice President of Operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Dell, said: “We are proud of our 18-year tenure as a major manufacturer in Ireland.

“This was a difficult decision, but the right one for Dell to become even more competitive, and deliver greater value to customers.”

The first wave of job losses will begin in April. By January 2010, the total 1,900 staff will have been let off.

Dell is providing the affected workers with a severance package and career outplacement assistance to help them find a new job.

Corkery said: “We will treat the affected employees with dignity and respect and offer them every practical support through this extended transition period to minimise the impact on them.

“We appreciate the support from the Irish government and the people of Limerick over these many years.”

Limerick will continue with the remaining 1,100 workforce to coordinate EMEA manufacturing, logistics and supply chain activities. The firm’s Global Innovation Solutions Centre and EMEA Command Centre will remain in Limerick.