The US engineering group Caterpillar (
www.caterpillar.com) is to make 35 people redundant in Northern Ireland.
The former FG Wilson business is cutting the jobs, which includes agency workers, to “better align its organisational structure”. The move comes after the company shed 140 jobs at the end of last year.
Davy Thompson of the Unite union said that the losses are “yet another blow” to Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry. “In the last year, Northern Ireland’s manufacturing base has suffered a series of job losses, with more than 1,500 in prominent companies such as JTI Gallahers in Ballymena, Bombardier-Shorts and Sirocco.
"Unite has led calls for the Northern Ireland government to take action and bring forward a manufacturing strategy to stem the losses and re-focus on securing investment and job creation. Our call for a strategic approach has been supported by Manufacturing NI, who represent the leading employers in the sector.”
In a statement, the firm said: “Caterpillar has notified its employees that we will take measures to better align our organisational structure, resulting in a more efficient and competitive business model to better serve our customers.
"Resources will be provided to assist impacted individuals during this transition. We know this is difficult for our employees and their families, but we must take steps to position the company for long-term success.”
Caterpillar employs about 2,000 people in its four plants at Larne, Monkstown, Springvale and Belfast.