Workers at window manufacturer end sit-in

The staff at Hele Windows, Ireland’s first PVC window manufacturer, have ended their sit-in.

The staff of the Midleton-based firm, which ceased trading almost two weeks ago after 42 years in business, confirmed last night that they called off their protest on Saturday.

“However we are still as determined as ever in respect of our objectives in trying to salvage our jobs and, most importantly, trying to get answers for the large numbers of clients who are at a loss financially due to the sudden closure of Hele Windows,” the former workers said in a statement last night.

The sit-in by the staff ended just days after the High Court was told a creditors meeting will take place later this month.

Profile Systems Holdings petitioned the court to have a provisional liquidator appointed, claiming it is owed €93,000 for goods and services it supplied to Hele’s manufacturing facility at Owenacurragh Business Park in Midleton.

Ms Justice Mary Laffoy dismissed Profile’s application after being informed that Hele had passed a resolution to go into voluntary liquidation.

Hele directors Natalie Lentzy and Tanja Lentzy were prepared to offer undertakings to the court that assets would not be dissipated and all records would be made available to an appointed liquidator.

A meeting of Hele’s creditors, at which a liquidator will be selected, has been fixed for later this month.