Mayor’s worry at job losses

Mayor of Sligo Municipal District, Councillor Marie Casserly ( right) has expressed concern at the latest possible job losses in Sligo.

Last Thursday, ProTek Medical hannounced a restructuring of its operations in Sligo which is expected to result in the loss of 25 jobs at its Finisklin plant.

The company, which is a leading provider of engineering, cleanroom injection moulding and manufacturing solutions for the global medical industry, employs 166 people in Sligo.

Mayor Casserly said she found the job loss trend deeply concerning especially considering others recently including those at Elanco which is to close with the loss of 100 jobs and the consequent blow also to the local economy in terms of less salary spend.

She said: “The reality on the ground is proof that a two tier economy has taken shape across Ireland, with Sligo struggling to keep up with our neighbouring counties.

“This however is not our fault and the blame is solely due to successive lack of investment in the North West by national Governments and now with Brexit fast approaching we need substantial investment more than ever if we are to reverse this worrying trend.”

Staff at Protek were informed by the company that “after incurring significant losses”, it was introducing a cost reduction plan to “better align its cost base with its current level of sales.”

ProTek, which was acquired by Molex in May 2015, said that restoring the company to profitability to support future growth will involve a combination of proposed redundancies as well as efficiency improvements at all levels throughout the plant.

They say it is expected that up to 25 roles will be impacted, subject to a 30- day consultation period with employee representatives.

ProTek has said that it is “focused on the future of its Sligo plant and it is committed to building capabilities that will prepare the company for profitable growth and innovative opportunities in areas such as connected health”.

“The company regrets the impact that this proposed decision will have on affected employees and it in no way reflects on the quality of their contribution to the business.

“The Company’s current level of sales and its financial position means it must consider these actions,” it said in a statement.