Sad news as C&C Gleeson in Butlersland, New Ross announced it was to be closed. Pic: Jim Campbell
THERE HAS been widespread shock throughout New Ross in the wake of the news the drinks manufacturer, C&C, is to close its plant in the town as part of a group reshuffling move.
Crunch meetings are due to take place this week between the company and its employees in New Ross and there are real fears that the staff will be told their jobs are gone.
There are six people working in the store in the company’s local depot with two girls working in the offices.
There are also five drivers, each of whom also has a helper, so the reshuffle could potentially see 18 job losses in the town.
The Echo spoke to some staff members who expressed serious concerns over their futures.
The plant, which is still referred to locally by its former name, ‘Finche’s’, is synonymous with New Ross and can trace its origins back to the Mineral Water Company which was located in Mary Street.
Generations of people have worked at the plant and some of the staff members currently there have been employed with the firm for almost 20 years.
Last Tuesday the news emerged that C&C planned to close its manufacturing plant in Co. Tipperary with the loss of 144 jobs.
The firm, which manufactures Bulmers, is to move its existing plant in Borrisloleigh to a larger base in Clonmel.
The reshuffle will also see the closure of the company’s plant in Portlaoise which is around the same size as the facility in New Ross.
Staff members in the two plants have been in contact with each other since the news emerged.
“It just came out of the blue and we didn’t see it coming or know that it was going to happen,” said one New Ross employee.
The workers were called to a meeting on Tuesday afternoon but by that stage the report about the developments in Co. Tipperary was already in the national media.
C&C has said that a major investment will take place at the Clonmel plant and that around 80 jobs will be created there.
However, the option of relocating to Clonmel might not be a viable one for many of the staff members in New Ross even if they are given that option.
“We weren’t officially told anything until after the news broke,” said one staff member to the Echo.
“We are supposed to have meetings with HR [this week],” he added.
“Hopefully we will have until mid-summer at least.”
The Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council said the issue is of “great concern”.
Speaking to the Echo about the matter Cllr. Michael Sheehan said: “I hope that the people involved are given transfer opportunities within the company. However, it’s a huge blow to New Ross and a devastating start to the New Year for all concerned.”
Cllr. Sheehan said the Government needs to intervene in the situation to “ensure a replacement industry for New Ross is found and that the [soon-to-be-vacant] facility is acquired and used”.
He went on to comment on the amount of vacant buildings in the town and said that having the C&C building empty is “the last thing the town needs”.
He is calling for a task force to be set up and a commitment made to the people of New Ross.
“We haven’t had a new job announcement in 20 years and without Government intervention it will be another 20 years before we have another and by then it will be too late.”
