Fan belt company 'to remain open'

The Arntz Belting factory in Derry manufactures fan belts

Arntz Belting in Londonderry is to remain in business as long as the economic downturn does not worsen, according to the trade union Unite.

The union said the firm which makes fan belts had considered shutting a number of factories, including its plant in Pennyburn which employs 120 staff.

It said all the firm's factories would be affected by reduced output instead.

The company has declined to comment publicly despite repeated calls from local politicians for confirmation.

On Wednesday, employees said fears for their jobs grew after they found documents suggesting people would be made redundant in August and the plant would close by the end of the year.

The firm, which makes fan belts, went to a three-day week in December. In February, 29 people were made redundant, with a further 23 in May.

The company, which makes fan belts for commercial and agricultural machinery, also has plants in Romania and Germany.