Hopes were raised yesterday that up to a quarter of the 500-strong workforce at C&D Foods in Co Longford could be back at work just a fortnight after a fire gutted much of the plant.
The company has called a meeting of staff at the Longford Arms Hotel this afternoon to reveal its plans, and early indications are that a partial reopening of the factory will be attempted.
Union representatives, who met company management yesterday, said some workers could be back at work next Monday week if the rescue plan went ahead.
Sources close to the talks suggested that up to 120 staff could be brought back over time.
However, a spokeswoman for the company said yesterday evening it was too early to confirm details. She said managing director Philip Reynolds was due to hold further talks with customers this morning, and several technical issues needed to be addressed.
If more time was needed to negotiate a solution, this afternoon's scheduled announcement would be postponed, she added.
Talk of a possible partial reopening helped to boost morale in Edgeworthstown yesterday where staff laid off following last Sunday's fire signed on for the first time at the social welfare office. Siptu local branch organiser Séamus McNamee, who attended yesterday's meeting with management, said: "C&D Foods have not said how many people will be coming back to work, but they said there would be a limited reopening, and it will build up from there."
Staff believe the figure could exceed 100 as temporary arrangements are made for the production of dog and cat food which can be distributed in sachets, pouches and bags. This does not require the canning facility, which was destroyed in the fire.
"The picture isn't fully clear yet. The company are still negotiating with their customers about keeping supply going. C&D have had a number of offers for alternative production facilities in the short term, and they are investigating those," added Mr McNamee.
The key issue remains the company's ability to source suitable alternative production facilities, which would allow them to hold on to their major supermarket customers, including Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury, and Asda.
There has been a fear that the plant would never reopen, but yesterday's news has given staff confidence that Edgeworthstown's biggest employer will get back on its feet again.
Mary Cassidy, who works at the plant along with her husband Tommy, said: "The fact that up to 120 jobs could be rescued almost immediately is a brilliant sign. Things could be on the way up."
Local politicians have called for multi-agency support to ensure C&D can restore operations to previous levels.