1984 – Hyster Automated Handling, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin

In 1982, Hyster built a new $8.2 million plant in Blanchardstown, promising 400 jobs, using funds provided by Ireland’s Industrial Development Authority, which also contributed $16 million toward operating costs. The plant was to produce warehouse automation systems that Hyster thought were to be the future for materials handling companies. As it turned out, the automated systems were more expensive to produce and more difficult to sell than Hyster had anticipated. In June 1987, the Blanchardstown plant was closed, much to the distress of the IDA, which would never recover its investment. Questions were asked in Dáil Éireann on June 10 about the financial losses and the consequent 250 jobs lost. Seemingly some Irish workers who, irate at the loss of their jobs, occupied the plant in a stormy protest.

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