American bosses say ‘connectivity’ is key

INDUSTRIAL jobs in Shannon and beyond will be lost if the Heathrow route is not reinstated, according to a number of key employers.

In its large factory premises beside Shannon Airport’s perimeter fence Enterasys Networks, formally Cabletron, says its future growth will be compromised.

Financial controller Padraig Hayes said thelink was key to attracting investment from its American corporate headquarters.

Enterasys Networks controls distribution for products manufactured primarily in Cork and shipped around the world.

“Here we would have been extremely optimistic about the future and really would have been looking at the potential for expansion.

“We would never usually speak out about issues and we would not have much dealings with the media but as soon as this happened we knew we could not sit back and do nothing,” he said.

After already losing a freight link to Heathrow in recent years, Mr Hayes said if corporate executives and customers are not able to reach its Shannon base conveniently they would direct their attentions elsewhere.

He said it is adding an extra day’s travel to come through another British airport.

This compounds the lack of connections between Shannon and other international hubs at Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

“When the American bosses are looking at us they see a high skills set among the staff, they see an ability to do the job well but they are also looking at our connectivity and how easy it is to reach us.

“My desk is full of contacts from the likes of Korea, India, China and Singapore. You cannot expect to handle this business properly if you cannot connect with them.

“Shannon to Heathrow is a strategic link and requires a strategic action to restore it,” he said.

He said after a difficult period at the turn of the century the company was looking forward to a bright future.

Enterasys Networks said it will pump €42 million into the local economy this year and it is in a period of expansion.

It manages the multi-national’s markets in Europe, Africa and Asia from the Shannon base where it employs more than 40 people directly and another 20 through outside links.

However, it is a major client of a number of supply companies who would be directly affected by any reduction of its business.

Mr Hayes said US investors had begun to view the Shannon operation favourably again after worldwide cut-backs which saw the company contract out many of its core activities.

Other companies have voiced similar concerns.

Managing Director of AGD Instruments Marcus Creaven said future plans were already being revised.

“We are in the process of expanding our business following a management buyout late last year.

“We intend on building a new premises in 2008. If Aer Lingus does not reinstate the service and provide stability in the region, then I will need to seriously reconsider my intended investment,” he said.