Council pledges full support to Sensata Technologies workforce in Carrickfergus

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has pledged its full support to the workforce of Sensata Technologies, which has today announced the closure of its Carrickfergus site with the loss of 270 jobs.

Councillor Gregg McKeen, Chair of Council’s Borough Growth Committee, described the news as a terrible blow to staff and their families, and to the economy of Carrickfergus and the wider Mid and East Antrim area.

“Today’s announcement is a devastating one for the 270 staff, the town and the entire Mid and East Antrim Borough.

“Sensata Technologies has long been a major player in the local economy as one of Northern Ireland’s biggest manufacturing companies, so the closure of the site in Carrickfergus is a body blow for the area.

“That said, Council will put its shoulder to the wheel and provide a package of support to the workers affected by this news, in the same way that Wrightbus workers were supported when they faced difficult times last year.

“A Rapid Redundancy Response has been triggered by Council this morning and I, along with the Council Chief Executive, will be working to keep the gates open and to mitigate the impact of this development for all those affected.

“The Council will hold its monthly meeting on Monday night, 13 January, where the focus will very much be on how we continue to move this plan of action forward.”

NOTES TO EDITORS: Cllr Gregg McKeen, Borough Growth Committee Chair, is available for interviews by contacting the Press Office on 028 2563 5037.