Workers face uncertain future after fire sweeps through music plant

A MAJOR fire yesterday broke out at a sound and music equipment factory in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The blaze caused substantial damage to the Sennheiser plant in the Srah Business Park and left the short-term future of more than 150 workers in doubt.

An examination of the site has started and officials from the Industrial Development Authority have been in contact with management to discuss a relocation of the business.

Sennheiser, which has been based in Tullamore for several years, manufactures headphones, microphones and a range of sound and music equipment.

Founded in 1945 as a specialist research laboratory, it has grown to become a world leader in the development of electro-acoustic technologies and professional audio products.

Earlier this year Peter Callan, president of Sennheiser International Manufacturing, revealed that the company had begun to shift some production from Tullamore to the Far East.

Speaking at a seminar on regional development in Athlone, he criticised the fact that Ireland’s “can do” attitude of the 1990s had dissipated.

Mr Callan said the company came to the Midlands from Germany attracted by a low-cost economy and an “ability to get things done”. However, over the years the low-wage environment had receded and the ability to get things done had dissolved in delays with major infrastructure projects.

Mr Callan said his business had survived in Tullamore because it had effectively “moved up the chain” outsourcing elements of its production to the Far East.