Fears for 100 jobs at Clare-based digital display firm Daktronics

Company's technology used in displays at airports, rail and bus stations

A display at Heuston. There are fears for 100 jobs at Daktronics, in Ennistymon in Co Clare, as the US multinational begins a collective redundancy consultation.

There are fears for 100 jobs at Daktronics, in Ennistymon in Co Clare, as the US multinational begins a collective redundancy consultation.

Daktronics is a leader in in digital display and control system technology used in the transportation business including rail and bus stations. On Wednesday, Daktronics said it is considering a proposal to exit from its highly customised international transportation business, which serves rail, bus, and roadway customers outside the US and Canada.

"This is a difficult decision, and one we do not take lightly. It reflects the realities of a challenging market, not the dedication or capability of the talented people who have supported this business," said Daktronics vice president of international, Judd Guthmiller. "We are committed to supporting our Ireland-based colleagues with transparency and respect throughout this process as we consider the future."

The company said it has notified the 100 employees in Ireland that their roles are ‘at risk’ as the company enters the collective redundancy consultation process regarding the future of its Ennistymon manufacturing facility and other Ireland-based roles. "No final decision has been made, and the company is committed to engaging with employees in good faith and in accordance with local employment laws," a statement from Daktronics said. 

Founded in 1968 in the US,  Daktronics has grown into the world leader in audiovisual systems and implementation, with offices around the globe and over 14,000 railway displays and 15,000 bus and tram displays supplied worldwide, as well as 8,000 airport displays. Daktronics solutions include LED and LCD signage used at Irish rail hubs, including concourse displays with up-to-the-minute departure and arrival times. 

Daktronics has been operating in Ennistymon for 12 years, after it purchased a local company called Data Display.

This week Daktronics reported quarterly revenues of $234.6m (€202.3m), a 7.1% increase from the $219m (€118m). The company reported operating income of $24.9 million, 7.2% growth from $23.3m in the previous quarter. New orders for products and services stood at $191.8m, down from $238.5m in the previous quarter.