90 jobs to go at NI textiles firm

More than 90 jobs are to go with the closure of two production plants at a Northern Ireland textiles firm, it was announced today.

Ulster Weavers confirmed the redundancies as part of a restructuring programme to counter rising manufacturing costs.

Factories in Armagh and Castlewellan are to shut down, with further job losses at the company’s head office near Banbridge.

Managing Director Declan Gormley blamed strong overseas competition for the move. He said: “We are no different to any other company in having to adapt our business so it is fit for purpose.

“No-one likes having to make people redundant but Ulster Weavers has to position itself to compete successfully in the international marketplace where product prices continue to fall.”

Ulster Weavers, which produces Irish Linen products for retailers such as Marks and Spencer, stressed there was a strong order book.

But it has decided on the overhaul in a bid to make the business more flexible over the next five years.

The Armagh closure will result in 38 jobs being axed, with 39 going at Castlewellan. More jobs will be lost at head office, and other staff relocated to the firm’s Dungannon factory.

Mr Gormley insisted Ulster Weavers would still be employing more than 150 people.