A FAMOUS sweet factory, Oatfield Confectionery in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, which has been making sweets for more than 85 years, is to close, it has been announced .
The company was famous for producing boiled sweets, including its most famous product, Emerald Chocolate.
Production, which had been phased down, has been transferred to England. The remaining 17 staff have been given their notice. The announcement was made by the owners Zed Candy yesterday. There had been speculation about the company’s future in Ireland for some time. At its height of production, more than 80 workers were employed at the plant.
Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce president John Watson said it was a sad day for the town.
“Oatfield sweets is very much an institution in Letterkenny and part of the fabric of the town that will now be missed.
“The decision to move the manufacturing to the base in the UK is disappointing and a sign of the times as businesses continue to come under pressure to reduce costs.”
Labour Party senator Jimmy Harte claimed the owners could have done more to engage with the workers.
“Many families have had long links with the company and the loss of 17 jobs is a blow to the local economy. I would ask that they [the owners] now give the workers their entitlements, and I have spoken with Minister Joan Burton today to ask her assistance with any issues that the staff will require.”