Jobs under threat as brewery put up for sale

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed anger at the news that a major west Belfast brewery is to be put up for sale, with the potential loss of 80 jobs.

Interbrew said the decision to put the Bass Brewery up for sale had been taken following the ending of a long-term contract to bottle soft drinks at the plant. However, the company said it was willing to offer any purchaser a long-term contract to produce beer for the Irish market.

Mr Adams, MP for the area, said he was disappointed at the decision. “I am angry and disappointed at the decision taken by Interbrew to sell off the Glen Road site and to threaten workers that the brewery will be closed unless a buyer is found within a short time frame," he said.

“I along with party colleagues have been involved in discussions with the management of Interbrew as well as Trade Unions at the plant over recent months. It is clear that the Glen Road site has fallen victim to a policy of a large multi-national company wishing to get rid of smaller sites in pursuit of larger profits."

Mr Adams confirmed that he would be meeting senior shop stewards from the Brewery later today and that his focus would be on finding a buyer for the factory and securing the 80 jobs.

(MB)