Jobs redundancies as Lamont pull out of NI

The textiles group Lamont Holdings has announced that it has formally withdrawn from Northern Ireland.

The pull out follows news of the replacement of current CEO Dick Milliken with Bill Gleave who is to take up his appointment with immediate effect. Mr Gleave will take up his position at Alexander Drew –where Lamont’s Head Office is to be relocated from Belfast. Lamont is now left trading from two UK bases: Alexander Drew and BFF Nonwovens.

Lamont Holding severed its last link in Northern Ireland in February 2001 when Moygashel Linens was sold to Ulster Weavers for £3.3 million.

A statement from Lamont revealed that as a result the current Belfast Head Office will be closed and its staff made redundant.

Bill Gleave said: “I am aware that I am going into a very difficult situation, however, the Lamont Board has effectively disposed of the Group’s under performing businesses at attractive prices, enabling us to concentrate on Alexander Drew and BFF Nonwovens. Both of these businesses have exceptional potential and are already highly regarded for their expertise, innovation and technical excellence. I am looking forward to working with the staff in both these companies and to exploring new opportunities with them.” (AMcE)