Kieran Galvin
Shocked staff at Manufacturers' Services Ltd (MSL) in Athlone were informed early yesterday morning that their jobs were gone. Many were visibly distraught upon hearing the news.
The electronics company announced the closure of its manufacturing facility with the loss of 200 jobs, citing the continuing global downturn in the electronics industry as the reason.
MSL has been in Athlone since 1994 and during that time the company has been an important employer in the local economy.
Speaking after informing staff of the decision, the general manager, Mr Mike Stenson, said it was a sad day for everyone involved.
"Given the business climate and ongoing cost pressures, we are left with no alternative but to cease operations in Athlone," he said.
"The decision to close has been a difficult one for MSL, and I wish to pay tribute to a very dedicated, efficient and committed workforce. Arrangements are in place for our existing customers to be served from other MSL facilities worldwide," he said.
The company will now enter a 30-day consultation process with employees and their representatives.
A SIPTU branch secretary, Mr John Kane, said the closure was a "devastating" blow.
"It came as a shock, although in recent weeks we had indications that MSL worldwide was having a look at their operations," he said.
"But we certainly didn't believe that the plant in Athlone was going to close and, when the announcement was made, it's no exaggeration to say that it was a massive shock to everybody concerned."
Mr Kane said that, apart from the individuals who worked in the company, the loss to the community in Athlone could not be overstated.
MSL is a multinational that manufactures electronic hardware for companies that sell branded electronic equipment or utilise electronic components in their products.
It has operations in a number of countries, including Spain, France, the US, Malaysia and China.
A separate division operates an automated manufacturing services (AMS) facility in Galway and employs over 250 workers.
But management at MSL in Athlone insisted that yesterday's announcement would have no effect on the company's Galway facility.