US trip for officials in jobs rescue bid in the North
Senior officials from the North's economic development agency were on their way to the US tonight to plead for the jobs of over 250 workers at a medical equipment company facing redundancy.
They are seeking a rethink by the American parent of Tyco Healthcare who last month announced the planned closure of its plant in Ballymoney, Co Antrim.
The company put workers at the plant – which produces needles, syringes and related products – on 90 day notice of the start of a rundown in staffing, starting next February and ending with closure a year later.
The parent company, Covidien Ltd, has plants around the world and said it was looking for improved efficiency after a global review.
The company has been operating successfully in Ballymoney for over 40 years but last year 30 workers at the plant were paid off.
Minister for the Economy Nigel Dodds dispatched officials from Invest Northern Ireland to the US for talks to see if there is a way of saving the 260 jobs.
Mr Dodds said: “Potential job losses are always regrettable news, particularly for all the staff involved.
“Invest Northern Ireland has met with local management and will be flying to the USA for an urgent meeting with senior management to ensure that all options are considered before any closure plans are implemented.
“The US parent company’s decision is based on global cost pressures and is in no way reflective of the quality of the workforce or standard of the product manufactured in Ballymoney.”
The rescue bid was mounted after local North Antrim Assembly member Mervyn Story had an emergency meeting with the minister.
Welcoming the move the Democratic Unionist MLA said: “I am particularly pleased with this step as it is what I pressed for at the outset of the announcement, and proves the determination to make every effort to have this decision overturned.
“On a local level, trying to obtain answers from upper management has proved impossible.”
Mr Storey added: “The staff at Tyco Healthcare have been left in total shock since this announcement, which has been a bitter blow.
“I would wish to assure staff all possible avenues are being explored to retain their jobs and futures.”
