Carrick Chamber optimistic about future of Masonite
A spokesperson for Carrick-on-Shannon's Chamber of Commerce has said they remain optimistic about the future of employment in the region despite last week's announcement that Masonite Ireland is cutting a further 21 jobs at its plant in Drumsna.
Last Friday, August 1, a spokesperson for Masonite Ireland confirmed that "due to the continued decline of the construction market in the UK, the company is to change its shift pattern to bring production from its Carrick-on-Shannon plant, into line with reduced market demand".
"Regrettably, this will be achieved through a voluntary redundancy programme, involving a 21 jobs reduction in the 240 strong workforce," the spokesperson noted.
The news brings to the number of redundancies at the factory this year to 41.
Despite the news, Carrick-on-Shannon Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer, Mary Dolan said the Chamber remain optimistic about the future of Masonite.
Speaking with the Leitrim Observer Ms Dolan said "certainly we are very optimistic about the future of Masonite. Obviously we're very sympathetic to the loss of anyone's livelihood but hopefully, because they are voluntary redundancies, these people will have a soft landing, so to speak".
"Masonite has been a real boon to the economy of the region. It is an excellent company producing an excellent product and we see no reason to believe that production in Carrick-on-Shannon won't continue," she said.
"As I understand it there are 240 jobs still at the plant and hopefully those leaving will be able to transfer their skills to other companies within the region."
The Carrick Chamber Executive Officer pointed out the wider Carrick-on-Shannon region was renowned for its "can-do attitude" and added she felt the economy would start to make a recovery within the next 18 to 24 months.
"The infrastructure in this area now is better than ever. We just need the IDA to focus not just on the West but on Leitrim and north Roscommon in particular," she said.
"We've lost Woco and we've now lost 40 jobs from Masonite and the IDA has to focus on what they can put into Carrick-on-Shanon and the wider area over the coming months."
Ms Dolan went on to stress the most vital thing to do now was to assist those affected by the latest job losses in finding work appropriate to their specialised skills.
"These people have excellent skills and the Chamber is willing to assist them in any way we can. Perhaps this could involve getting a list of the skills of those involved in the job losses and working with other Chambers across Ireland in a bid to find them suitable employment," she said.
"The fact is that we have to remain optimistic. The people of this area are well trained, well educated, have a great work ethic and also bring a great deal of entrepreneurship to the area. It's vital that people understand things will improve. They will get better."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
