100 workers to lose jobs at plant in Waterford

UP TO 100 workers at the Honeywell manufacturing plant in Waterford city face losing their jobs by the end of this year.

Management at Honeywell Turbo Technologies have told workers at the factory that they plan to meet union officials regarding a reduction of its workforce by between 85 and 100 by the end of 2008.

The news is the latest in a series of large-scale job losses in the city, following Waterford Crystal's announcement of plans for 490 redundancies at its Kilbarry plant last November. The redundancies, when completed, will leave about 550 workers at Kilbarry.

Labour TD Brian O'Shea yesterday described the job losses at Honeywell, which has been operating in the city for more than 20 years and employs about 600 workers, as being of "very serious concern" locally.

The company, which manufactures parts for cars and commercial vehicles with petrol engines, says that redundancies will "initially" be on a voluntary basis.

It is understood that the company is adapting to market changes, including a move towards the manufacture of diesel engines.

Mr O'Shea called on Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Mary Coughlan to ensure that "every assistance is given by the various State agencies so that the company can adapt to the changing market conditions".

He added: "My thoughts today are with those workers whose future at the plant is unclear. They now face a time of great uncertainty when mortgages and household bills will still have to be met.

"Announcements such as this highlight how important it is, when it comes to the economic development of the region, that Waterford Institute of Technology is upgraded to university status."

University designation would enhance the capacity for research and development locally, said Mr O'Shea, "so that a wider range of foreign direct investment and indigenous investment" could be attracted.