Audio equipment maker Bose has announced that it is to close its factory in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, with the loss of 140 jobs.
The multinational announced the closure of the factory which has been in operation since 1978, is part of a worldwide cost-cutting programme.
The plant’s operations will transfer to facilities in Malaysia and Mexico.
Sinn Féin MEP for the Midlands North West constituency, Matt Carthy, said he was “devastated” at the announcement and described it a “huge blow” to south Monaghan.
“I know many of the 140 full-time Bose staff personally and I am absolutely devastated to hear of the planned closure of this manufacturing plant in Carrickmacross.
“The plant is a well-established local employer - and the announcement today will cause widespread disbelief,” he said.
Mr Carthy said the announcement is also a blow to the wider community and local economy, which will be severely affected by the closure of the plant.
“Unfortunately, this area has been ignored by too long by successive governments.
“I recently highlighted the fact that Monaghan has only has two visits by the IDA in the past five years and many will remember that Bose was the last significant employer attracted to this region by the IDA in the late 70s,” he said.
Mr Carthy called on Minister for Jobs and Enterprise John Bruton to immediately engage with the senior management at the plant and attempt to preserve the jobs.
Minister of State for Business and Employment Ged Nash said his thoughts are with the workers at Bose and their families following the announcement.
“All the supports of the State will be made available to all of the workers affected by this situation.
“Despite the much improved news on the job creation front in this country, the situation faced by Bose is a reminder that the fight to sustain and win new jobs is a continuous one and the challenge to maintain our attractiveness for investment in an increasingly competitive market is a challenge we must take on each day.
“I personally will be following up with our State Agencies including the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to pursue other job creation opportunities in the Carrickmacross area and across the North East region.”
Mr Nash said the IDA is contacting their network of offices worldwide to try to find a suitable company to invest in the region.
