22/10/2002

140 jobs under threat at Banbridge factory

One hundred and forty jobs are under threat in Banbridge after the FII Group revealed it is to close its footwear manufacturing facility in the town.

The Northampton based company said it was no longer possible to produce footwear competitively at the plant.

However the company said that it had engaged in formal consultations with the relevant unions and that shareholders would be kept informed of the progress of the talks.

In a statement the company said: "The board has concluded that in the current economic climate, it is no longer possible to produce footwear competitively in Banbridge.

"FII is unable, therefore, to avoid proposals to consider closing its manufacturing facility, in spite of the efforts of all its employees who have enabled it to survive up to now."

Lotus ladies shoes and Frank Wright men's footwear are made at the Banbridge plant, along with FII's own brand label shoes.

The group, which makes footwear mainly from synthetic products, said that an increased demand for leather shoes was taking its toll.

The plant, formerly known as Down Shoes, was set up in Banbridge in the 1950s, and at one time employed more than 600 workers.

(MB)

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