ONLY four companies seem interested in acquiring the Semperit plant in Ballyfermot, Dublin. The firm's German owner, Continental AG, is closing the plant on December 6th with the loss of 650 jobs as part of a rationalisation plan.
Yesterday, union representatives met the IDA chief executive, Mr Kieran McGowan, to discuss plans to seek new buyers. Although there are 15 companies internationally which could take over the plant, only four are considered serious bidders.
These are the Cooper Tyre Company (the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Richard Bruton, meets the firm in Ohio next Friday), a Japanese company, Hangkook, and two Korean firms, Kunho and Toyo. Continental had expressed reservations about selling to the Koreans, who have proved fiercely competitive elsewhere.
But an IDA spokesman said - Continental "have said they won't put blockages in the way of any talks with the Koreans". Discussions with the unions yesterday were constructive, he said. Union co operation would be vital to the process of saving something "from the ashes of Semperit".
After the meeting, unions at Semperit issued a joint statement through a SIPTU regional secretary, Mr Jack Nash. They said there was an open exchange of information and a briefing on the situation regarding potential buyers.
It was agreed to establish a tripartite forum between the trade unions, senior IDA executives and Mr Bruton's Department. The group will meet formally after Mr Bruton returns from his talks with Cooper Tyre.
Privately, some Semperit trade unionists are concerned about the company intentions.
Yesterday a notice went up in the plant announcing that the closure would go ahead on December 6th, even if a new buyer emerged.
This means employees will be laid off and will have to apply again to any new owner. While the unions accept that the opportunity to reapply for a job is better than no job at all, it has raised questions about Continental's intentions.
They are also concerned that the company has begun installing new piping. However, a spokeswoman for Continental said this was part of the normal upgrading and refurbishment process which would continue "right up to the final decision and announcement". No new projects are planned, however.
Meanwhile, the south west regional secretary of SIPTU, Mr John McDonnell, has written to Mr Bruton asking him to intervene in the closure of Tambrands, the US owned company in Tipperary town which is closing on October 31st with the loss of 220 jobs.
The union wants the closure deferred so that all options can be examined.