Factory set to close in Co Antrim with 23 job losses

By Q Radio News

A Polystyrene factory in Ballyclare is set to close with the loss of 23 jobs.  

Unite the Union is questioning whether the Kingspan Springvale EPS’s decision to transfer investment to the Republic is a result of Brexit or corporate greed. 

The firm is proceeding with its €253 million acquisition of a leading insulation company in Denmark. 

''Springvale EPS Ltd, a subsection of the hugely successful Kingspan group, has announced the closure of its plant outside of Ballyclare in Co. Antrim with the loss of 23 jobs'' a statement from the union said. 

''Consultation had been ongoing with Unite the Union as the union attempted to save jobs at the expanded polystyrene manufacturer.'' 

Unite Regional Officer, Kevin McAdam challenged the company following the decision which he said throws almost two dozen workers into unemployment in the middle of a global pandemic.

Kingspan’s Springvale EPS site at Ballyclare, Antrim to close with loss of 23 jobs https://t.co/NX9Zevjsll

— Unite the Union NI (@UniteunionNI) March 29, 2021

He is also questioning whether the decision to shift production to Limerick is rooted in post-Brexit trade barriers and difficulties.

“Consultations between Unite and management have reached the end without any movement from the company. It would now appear that closure in the coming few months is imminent. We have tried to persuade the company to continue with the County Antrim plant but it appears they are keener to concentrate their business in their plant in Askeaton in County Limerick,'' Mr McAdam said. 

“The decision to close comes at the same time that parent company Kingspan announced the purchase of a leading insulation company in Denmark for €253 million last week. The decision to close the Ballyclare site is driven by the desire to maximise profits over the livelihoods of workers who have helped build the company’s success.

''“Our members are left baffled by the fact their site is still making money for the group yet they are intent on closing it. Is it a case of naked corporate greed and that bosses feel they can make more elsewhere and to ‘hell with the workers’ or is this the latest example of economic fallout from damaging the new trade barriers post-Brexit.

''In either case, workers who have given a lifetime to build up the success of this site are being pushed onto dole queues in the middle of a global pandemic”.