Union fears over factory jobs

There are fears for the future of 60 jobs at Kent Plastics

The union representing workers at a car components plant in County Fermanagh has said there is little hope of saving the jobs of 60 employees.

It is understood the main customer of Kent Plastics in Enniskillen wants to move production elsewhere to reduce costs.

It is likely redundancy notices will be issued once the customer, Visteon, gives a date for taking its business from the town.

Nobody from the factory management was available for comment about the matter.

Last week, the company admitted it could face closure if its main supplier went ahead with a proposal to withdraw its business.

Talks about the firm's future were due to take place this week between management and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU)

'Depressing situation'

But TGWU spokesman Jim Quinn said there was little hope left.

"The only thing that would save this company would be either a change of mind by Visteon, or somebody taking over the company as a going concern," he said.

"Both are very unlikely."

Former Ulster Unionist assembly member Sam Foster said the firm had provided a lot of work in the area for a long time.

"It would be sad to see it going. I trust we can get help to encourage this firm to stay with them and so encourage employment," he said.

Managing Director Denis McKinney said last week that the current difficulties had been caused by its main customer deciding to move to other suppliers.

He told the BBC that the situation was "depressing" and, said that without a change on heart by the company concerned, it was difficult to see how Kent Plastics could survive.

The jobs creation agency, Invest Northern Ireland, is believed to be meeting the management of Kent Plastics on Thursday.