US firm to set up plant in Longford with 160 jobs

The town of Longford is to get 160 jobs over the next three years, the Tanaiste announced yesterday.

US company Donnelly Electronics will establish a manufacturing operation at the former IEC plant in the town which will involve an investment of £5.25 million.

Ms Harney said the announcement followed "intensive marketing" of the town by the IDA. Longford has suffered a series of job losses in recent years.

Last month, more than 100 jobs were lost through the closure of Barbour Threads.

Before Christmas, an IEC electronics plant shut down with the loss of 112 jobs, and 200 people were left without work when Atlantic Mills closed at the end of 1998.

The factory will produce electronic displays, sensors and warning systems for the automotive industry.

The jobs provided will include positions for engineers, technicians, clerical staff and assembly-line workers.

Donnelly Electronics is an associate company of Donnelly Corporation, an American company based in Michigan. Customers include Audi, Volvo, General Motors, Ford and Mercedes Benz.

Donnelly Corporation already employs 600 people at two facilities in Ireland - one in Naas, Co Kildare, the other in Manor-hamilton, Co Leitrim. Worldwide it employs 5,500.

Meanwhile, liquidators have been appointed to KEL Electronics, which employs 72 people in Ennis, Co Clare.

Mr Pearse Farrell of Farrell Grant Sparks Chartered Accountants has been appointed the official liquidator to the company, which manufactured components, primarily for use in telecommunications products. All of the staff have been laid off by the liquidator who intends to advertise the business and assets for sale. Mr Farrell said he was confident that most jobs at the plant "can be preserved".