Caterpillar is to axe over 200 jobs in Northern Ireland, according to Unite the union.

The firm plans to close its site in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, over the next 12 months.

It also has operations in Larne and Springvale in west Belfast.

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan said it is a "devastating blow" to the area.

Mr McMullan said: "The news that Caterpillar is to close its Monkstown plant with the loss of up to 250 jobs is a devastating blow for the local area.

"My first thoughts are with the workers and their families as they absorb this awful news today.

"Not only is it a severe blow for them but also for the economy of the wider area.

"Management at the company now need to work with staff and their trade union representatives to make sure employees are kept up to date with all developments.

"They should also offer retraining or upskilling opportunities to help those losing their jobs find alternative employment."

Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA, said: "My Department and Invest Northern Ireland will continue to work to minimise the impact on all those affected. Manufacturing is vitally important to the local economy and we are facing significant challenges which are not unique to Northern Ireland as a result of global pressures, market slowdowns and business restructurings.

"Caterpillar are clearly experiencing a significant and sustained downturn in their business globally which has seen their revenues decline by 21% in the last five years. These job losses in Northern Ireland are part of the overall reduction of 10,000 staff across the company. The difficulties experienced by Caterpillar have been public knowledge for some time. As a result, we have intensified our engagement with the Company both locally and in the United States to ensure Caterpillar were fully briefed on the benefits as a manufacturing base and of the complete range of Government support available to them at this time."

Alliance Economy spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA said: "My immediate thoughts are with the affected workers and their families, who will be devastated by this news. There needs to be a clear vision from the Executive, not only for fully supporting the workers, but also what will be done to prevent further similar losses down the line.

"Although overall the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland remains strong, today's news is a further example of a major and long-established manufacturer experiencing massive difficulties."

(CD)