Engineering firm in the North makes 250 redundant

More than 250 workers at an engineering company are being made redundant, it was announced today .

FG Wilson, a designer and builder of diesel and gas generators in the North, said it was proposing a cut of 260 in its permanent workforce because of a fall-off in orders.

Last month 160 agency workers were paid off at the US-owned company.

At the same time, 146 workers are being laid off for four to six weeks at a Co Tyrone company which manufactures machinery used in the construction industry.

Fintec said it was confident the staff would all be back working at the Ballygawley plant after the lay-off.

Announcing its planned redundancies, FG Wilson said: “We regret this action is necessary. However, it is ultimately in the long-term interest of our business.”

The company is part of Caterpillar and said: “Caterpillar’s focus is on making decisions and taking actions that will best position the company for long-term success and profitable growth.”

It said the redundancies were subject to consultation with employees and the company would explore ways to minimise the need for compulsory redundancy, including offering voluntary redundancy.