Exodus
Sources in Ireland have told HEXUS that Alienware, the high-end gaming PC maker bought by Dell three years ago, is to close its manufacturing operations in Ireland.
This doesn't come as a major surprise since Dell itself announced the relocation of its EMEA manufacturing from Ireland to Poland at the start of the year.
Rumours of the closure of both Alienware's Irish and US manufacturing facilities first surfaced at the end of last month, with Alienware confirming to local Irish paper, the Westmeath Independent, that it was reviewing operations at its Athlone site.
UPDATE - 15:50, 17th April 2009
We spoke to Annett Condon from Alienware and she confirmed that Alienware manufacturing is being moved to Dell and its manufacturing partners, as opposed to the dedicated Athlone site.
She said they do expect to maintain some presence in Ireland, but couldn't specify numbers, especially as there is still a consultation period underway with Alienware employees.
