In light of a worldwide review of its operations, union representatives have met with management and workers at Kostal’s two facilities in Abbeyfeale and Mallow to discuss possible restructuring plans.
Under a voluntary redun-dancy scheme, the work-force count in Abbeyfeale was reduced by around 85 last Autumn.
It has around 450 employees in Abbeyfeale, along with several hundred others in Mallow.
Union (SIPTU) official Rory Hawkins, said: “There has been much local concern about what impact this review could have on the Abbeyfeale plant. SIPTU members in both the company’s facilities wish to work with management to ensure that the current review doesn’t have a deterimental impact on their operations.
“Several hundred workers, the vast majority SIPTU members, remain employed making car parts including on-board chargers for electric vehicles. It is a major and important employer in the south-west region.”
He added: “We are committed to working with the management at the plants to ensure there is a sustainable future for its operations in Ireland, taking into account a recent downturn in demand for some of its products. The company’s operations in Ireland remain profitable and we are hopeful that we can work together to ensure that this vital employer, which has been in Ireland for 44 years, remains.”
Mr. Hawkins concluded: “The workers in its Irish plants have been highly productive over the decades and shown loyalty to the company. We hope that this contribution will be respected in the review process. Our members are also calling upon the Government and IDA to do all it can to ensure the future of these plants and allay the very real concerns in the local community concerning this vital source of employment in both direct jobs and many hundreds more in the wider local economy.”