Two Munster firms will close with the loss of 130 jobs it emerged yesterday. Tralee Beef and Lamb, the Co Kerry meat processor, has closed down, with the loss of 70 jobs after the company was put into receivership yesterday afternoon.

In Cork, Terex Aerials, which employs 60 people at Little Island, will close its manufacturing plant at the end of next January. The company, part of the US-based Terex Corporation, manufactures lifting devices used for industrial work at high levels. It was established at Little Island in 1977. Farmers who supplied Tralee Beef and Lamb through purchasing agents are owed between £1.5 and £2 million (€1.9-€2.54 million), according to a farmers' spokesman. Workers in the company, which was operated by former AIBP executive Mr John Delaney, were not informed officially that the plant was closing. The main agent supplying the plant was told cattle could not be accepted after 3 p.m. yesterday, the farmers' spokesman, Mr Flor McCarthy, said.

Mr Delaney took over the business, formerly owned by the Garvey family, about four years ago. He was not available for comment yesterday. At Terex Aerials, general manager, Mr Tim Lenihan, said yesterday demand for the company's equipment over the past 12 months had dropped by more than 80 per cent and the operation was no longer deemed viable. The Cork workforce had made "valiant efforts" to address the difficult market situation but to no avail.

Workers at the plant were advised yesterday that the 60 permanent jobs were to be lost at the end of January 2002. The company said it would do everything in its power to help them find alternative employment.

Terex has other operations in Ireland, including Powerscreen.