Fears were growing today for hundreds of jobs on both sides of the Border as management of Dungannon Meats began consulting with staff about the loss of a major contract.
The company employs 1,900 people in plants in the Republic, Northern Ireland and the Britain. It began the consultation with staff today following the loss of a lucrative beef contract with Sainsbury's last October.
Dungannon Meats had supplied 40 per cent of the supermarket chain's fresh beef products, but last October, the supermarket chain opted to source its beef from a single supplier, Anglo Beef Processors.
Speculation was mounting today that as many as 200 jobs could be lost. A spokesman for the group would not anticipate the outcome of the review.
"It would be premature to comment further in advance of the consultation process. However, while the short term will be challenging, Dungannon Meats remains viable and profitable," he said.
Dungannon Meats is a family owned business that was founded by brothers Jim and Jack Dobson in 1983. The Dobsons had previously operated a small butcher's shop since 1979.
The company has grown, with 850 direct employees in Northern Ireland and a further 125 contract operatives in Dungannon and Ballymena.
PA