30/04/2002

German-owned County Donegal plant axe 86 jobs

Eighty-six workers at the German-owned Ruibear Motair Teo (RMT) plant in Derrybeg, County Donegal have lost their jobs with the closure of the plant on Monday April 29.

The company, which manufactures rubber car components for the European market, recently axed 25 jobs following a slowdown in business.

Workers were informed of the decision during working hours on Monday and left the plant during their shifts. Those arriving for an evening shift learned of the news from fellow employees they met leaving the plant.

More than 200 jobs have been lost in the Derrybeg area during the past year. Recent closures and job losses have occurred in nearby Falcarragh, where 150 jobs were axed, and at the EPI plastic carrier-bag plant with the loss of 23 jobs.

The RMT plant was officially opened in 1991 by former Taoiseach, Charlie Haughey, and had ambitious plans to employ more than 400 people but this never materialised. Satellite factories in Dungloe and Falcarragh have also closed.

Over the years the German company has received Irish State grants of more than €7 million.

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