Up to 45 jobs may be lost at the motor parts manufacturer Tillotson in Tralee, it has emerged.
Public representatives and union officials have described the news as "a disaster" for the town which has among the highest unemployment rates in the country. Over 3,200 people are unemployed in Tralee.
In a short statement Tillotson, a US company which took over from Borg-Warner and currently employs 73 workers, said the company was currently on a three-day week. This was due to the downturn in business "directly related to competition from low-cost countries and in particular China".
Efforts to secure as many jobs as possible were under way. It was unfortunate and regrettable that up to 45 jobs may be lost, the statement said.
Siptu union organiser Con Casey who represents most of the workers said the workers were not assembly line but highly skilled and included engineers and research and development personnel. Some had been in the plant for 30 years.
The premises in the industrial area of Clash is already for sale with Lisney auctioneer.
Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris, who has been particularly vocal on the issue of job losses in Tralee, warned of further job losses yesterday. Unemployment was also rising in Listowel, he said. The north Kerry area, one of the best places in the State to live in, was "on the periphery" when it came to inward investment and investment in infrastructure. He called on the IDA to put Kerry on a list of priorities.
"Furthermore, if information I have received is accurate two major manufacturing companies located in Tralee may be on the verge of relocating," he said.