Co Offaly firm to shed 71 jobs in November

A Co Offaly window and door maker is to cease production with the loss of 71 jobs.

Rationel has been operating in Edenderry since 1987 but is to close its production facility on November 14th, it announced today.

It will continue its sales and service business, employing more than fifty people but the products will be made in sister factories in Denmark and Poland.

Rationel (Ireland) managing director Don O’Dowd said the main reason for the closure of the production plant was the slowdown in the construction industry.

In the past, downturns were compensated for by business from the UK but the weakness of UK sterling against the euro has largely closed this avenue off, he added.

“The employees in Edenderry have shown great skill and dedication but there is no realistic prospect of the manufacturing part of the business turning around,” Mr O’Dowd said.

The company has started the consultation process with employee representatives. Mr O'Dowd said the company will give support to affected workers via career assistance, financial advice and redundancy packages.

Fine Gael Laois/Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan said the closure was a particular blow as the area has one of the highest unemployment levels in the country.

“Unfortunately, Rationel has fallen foul of the Fianna Fáil recession and has blamed the closure on the collapse in the housing market and construction industry,” Mr Flanagan said.