Menu
09/07/2009
Arntz Belting Heads For Trouble
The future for a struggling Pennyburn fan belt factory, which currently employs around 110 people, is looking bleak.
The manufacturing plant, Arntz Belting Company, went to a three-day week in December and also sought 28 redundancies in March.
However, the global recession has led to the firm's parent company looking at further cuts.
The NI Trade Minister Arlene Foster said last week that she has been following developments: "I am aware that Optibelt, the parent company of Arntz Belting Company Ltd is considering a number of options as a result of global economic downturn.
"As yet no decision has been made to close two factories nor specific factories identified," she said.
However, as reported in the Londonderry Sentinel newspaper, she did indicate
that she will "intervene if an when appropriate" to aid the stricken plant which has not received any money from INI since 1997.
"Invest NI officials have kept me aware of challenges facing the Arntz Belting Company factory.
"On my behalf, Invest NI continue to liaise with the company in relation to long-term plans for the Pennyburn factory with a view to intervening if and when appropriate," she said.
But concerns are growing among the company's workers.
This Wednesday employees revealed they had seen documents that suggested people would be made redundant in August and the plant would face closure by the end of the year.
(BMcC/JM)
The manufacturing plant, Arntz Belting Company, went to a three-day week in December and also sought 28 redundancies in March.
However, the global recession has led to the firm's parent company looking at further cuts.
The NI Trade Minister Arlene Foster said last week that she has been following developments: "I am aware that Optibelt, the parent company of Arntz Belting Company Ltd is considering a number of options as a result of global economic downturn.
"As yet no decision has been made to close two factories nor specific factories identified," she said.
However, as reported in the Londonderry Sentinel newspaper, she did indicate
that she will "intervene if an when appropriate" to aid the stricken plant which has not received any money from INI since 1997.
"Invest NI officials have kept me aware of challenges facing the Arntz Belting Company factory.
"On my behalf, Invest NI continue to liaise with the company in relation to long-term plans for the Pennyburn factory with a view to intervening if and when appropriate," she said.
But concerns are growing among the company's workers.
This Wednesday employees revealed they had seen documents that suggested people would be made redundant in August and the plant would face closure by the end of the year.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 September 2002
Coalisland company helps out Dublin hospital
Mater Misericodaie Hospital in Dublin has unveiled a new 90ft building that will reduce hospital waiting times around the North Dublin area. The building consists of five storeys, in 60 modular sections.
Coalisland company helps out Dublin hospital
Mater Misericodaie Hospital in Dublin has unveiled a new 90ft building that will reduce hospital waiting times around the North Dublin area. The building consists of five storeys, in 60 modular sections.
17 November 2010
Derry 'Christmas Present' May Be On Way
There's to be some festive cheer in the North West with details of a plan to create hundreds of jobs being outlined to Derry City Council's Development Committee in December. A German car parts firm, Arntz Belting, has said it hopes to create more than 800 jobs in a multi-million pound development in Londonderry.
Derry 'Christmas Present' May Be On Way
There's to be some festive cheer in the North West with details of a plan to create hundreds of jobs being outlined to Derry City Council's Development Committee in December. A German car parts firm, Arntz Belting, has said it hopes to create more than 800 jobs in a multi-million pound development in Londonderry.
11 November 2010
Firms Win InterTradeIreland Competition
Two NI firms have excelled in what is the largest business competition on the island of Ireland - Seedcorn 2010. Run by InterTradeIreland, the organisation that supports small and medium-sized businesses across Ireland for better North/South trade and business development, it offers a total prize fund of €280,000.
Firms Win InterTradeIreland Competition
Two NI firms have excelled in what is the largest business competition on the island of Ireland - Seedcorn 2010. Run by InterTradeIreland, the organisation that supports small and medium-sized businesses across Ireland for better North/South trade and business development, it offers a total prize fund of €280,000.
14 November 2007
NI Enterprise Celebrated
As part of National Enterprise Week, Invest Northern Ireland - in association with Ulster Bank - has hosted a Celebration of Enterprise gala dinner at which several local entrepreneurs were honoured for their contribution to business.
NI Enterprise Celebrated
As part of National Enterprise Week, Invest Northern Ireland - in association with Ulster Bank - has hosted a Celebration of Enterprise gala dinner at which several local entrepreneurs were honoured for their contribution to business.
16 November 2004
800 jobs go after baggage handling company ceases trading
At least 800 people have lost their jobs today after London-Heathrow based ground services company Swissport UK Limited was placed in the hands of receivers early this morning.
800 jobs go after baggage handling company ceases trading
At least 800 people have lost their jobs today after London-Heathrow based ground services company Swissport UK Limited was placed in the hands of receivers early this morning.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry for much of the night. Clear periods at first with mist and fog re-forming, Becoming cloudy later tonight with patchy drizzle towards the North Coast. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
