Axing of Amann jobs 'catastrophic' for region

The closure of a textile factory with the loss of more than 200 jobs was today branded a catastrophe for north Kerry.

German-owned Amann said it was shutting down its plant in Tralee on a phased basis from this July to the middle of next year.

Trade union Siptu said the factory was the second largest manufacturing employer in the region and its closure would devastate hundreds of families.

“The effect will be catastrophic in north Kerry,” said Siptu branch organiser Con Casey.

“This is a company where whole families have been employed and they will now find it next to impossible to find alternative employment.”

Amann, which already announced 120 lay-offs in January with the transfer of operations to Romania and Germany, told workers the remaining 210 jobs would also be phased out.

Remaining facilities are to be shifted to China.

The company opened its factory in Tralee in 1998 after buying the former Klopman textile plant, where it makes technical sewing threads for the car, fashion and textile industries.

Fine Gael TD Jimmy Deenihan said the closure was a terrible blow that will have very grave economic consequences for other businesses in the town.

“Amann was Tralee’s Dell and the effects on the region will undoubtedly be similar to the fallout that is ongoing in Limerick,” he said, referring to the recent devastating job losses at the computer giant.

“The news that the plant’s equipment is to be moved to Amann’s operation in China is a further reminder of how uncompetitive Ireland has become in recent years – and in this case Tralee is paying the price.”

Fianna Fáil TD Thomas McEllistrim called on the IDA to redouble its efforts to bring fresh investment to Tralee.

“This really is terrible, terrible news for the workers of Amann and their families,” he said.

“Of course my first thoughts go to them and I hope the company will put a generous redundancy package in place to see them through this difficult time.

“It is the least they deserve after all the loyal service and hard work they have done for Amann over the years.”

Siptu said it will be meeting with shop stewards over the weekend and with management on Monday to discuss redundancy arrangements.