Unions make plea to reopen car components firm

Union leaders tonight called on liquidators to allow a leading car components firm to reopen and complete orders despite going bust.

The renowned Iralco plant in Co Westmeath closed its doors yesterday with 400 workers facing the axe even though there was plenty of work on the books.

John Bolger, Unite national officer who met liquidators, said there was one last chance to sell the business as a going concern.

“We will be seeking the reopening of the plant with immediate effect so as to give everybody a chance to fulfil existing orders and examine the future viability of the company,” he said.

“Our aim is to minimise job losses and to encourage others to invest in the plant.”

It is estimated the Iralco jobs are worth about €8m to the local economy.

Such huge losses are expected to have a devastating impact on communities and smaller businesses in the Midlands including Co Longford, Cavan and Meath,

Mr Bolger said that was a dreadful hit to take.

Unite will meet Iralco liquidators John McStay and Tom Rogers again tomorrow morning and claimed wages were roughly 40% of turnover and that the company’s full order book offered an attractive investment if it is sold as a going concern.

“That is what we will be stressing to the liquidators,” Mr Bolger said.

“There have been issues over pay dating back over the past number of years, but this is a loyal workforce and they have never let negotiation spill over into industrial action.

“We have rolled with the punches and are determined to get back in the ring again.

“This business should have a future and we will try everything we can to make sure the people of the north midlands retain the opportunity to work locally.

“We are grateful for the support of local and national politicians but what we need more than anything is to get the plant reopened and show potential investors what can be done.”

Iralco is one of the longest-established manufacturers in Ireland and was set up in 1964 in Collinstown.

At one stage it employed 900 people and its customers are some of Europe’s best-known car manufacturers, including Volvo, Bentley, Ford and Volkswagen.

Management attempted to cut costs in the last few months and workers were told the company was in dire financial trouble but ultimately were unable to make enough savings to keep the business afloat.

It is understood the Iralco workforce have missed out on pay rises in line with national wage agreements over the last few years as the company struggled to compete in the global market.