Jobs losses in Lurgan as Simtek Europe announces closure

An electronics manufacturing facility in Lurgan Co. Armagh is to close with the loss of 45 jobs.

Simtek Europe blamed the closure on price competition and the downturn in the global economy.

The company, which set up the plant in Lurgan in 1989, said that it deeply regretted the closure, but that efforts to rescue the business had not been successful.

Local politicians have described the closure of the plant as a serious blow to the area's economy.

Speaking from Westminster Upper Bann MP, David Trimble said the news was “a major disappointment” for employees and that the closure would impact economically on the local community.

“Ironically the news comes at a time when the overall figures for unemployment in Northern Ireland have taken a downturn and economic growth continues to increase," the Ulster Unionist leader said.

“This is little consolation however to those who have lost their jobs at Simtek. Whilst we gain employment in some areas of industry, unfortunately we are losing out on others.

“Marketing difficulties have arisen generally in the electronics and technology industry and this has had a resounding effect on Simtek."

Mr Trimble said that a UUP delegation had approached Invest Northern Ireland on behalf of the company last year and following these representations assistance was arranged.

“I have been in contact with INI and have been assured that they have worked closely with representatives from Simtek to ensure that everything possible that could have been done to support the company has been done,” he added.

(SP)