ALPS Electric, a computer keyboard and accessory manufacturer, yesterday announced it was laying off all its 134 temporary staff at its 381-job plant at Millstreet, Co Cork, due to a temporary downturn in the European computer market.
The company said a few permanent employees will also be laid off but no decision on these job losses has been taken. Mr John O'Sullivan, a director and general manager, said Alps had previously laid off temporary staff and "downturns and upswings are a feature of the industry".
Mr O'Sullivan said the lay-offs were being introduced on a phased basis over three months. The company was confident that it was a temporary situation and that it would be increasing its numbers "in the not too distant future".
Alps recently opened an automotive component parts plant in Killarney and it is understood that the company has tried to offer work there to some of those being laid off in Millstreet.
Local sources say the company recently lost a contract in Scotland to supply and modify keyboards when its client decided to set up its own plant there.