Factory to close with 108 jobs lost

ONE of Limerick’s longest established industries is to close with the loss of more than 100 jobs, citing high labour costs as a major cause for relocation to a lower cost economy.

Fulflex, which set up in the city, at Galvone, in 1969, yesterday announced that it will cease all manufacturing in Limerick by May 5, and transfer production to lower cost factories abroad.

The decision effects 108 management, manufacturing and other personnel at the plant, which produces elastic tapes and threads with a variety of applications including disposable diapers, textiles, disposable medical garments, fitted bedsheets, luggage and vacuum cleaner bag seals.

Director Thomas F Moore said intense global competition, since 2004, had put the organisation into a loss making situation.

The dramatic downturn in the company’s financial position was primarily due to a huge reduction in elastic selling prices globally.