UNION representatives will today hold meetings with management of the last manufacturing company in Youghal in Co Cork to discuss redundancy terms, after the firm announced it is to close with the loss of 80 jobs.

The majority of staff at Tytex are represented by Siptu.

Youghal Siptu branch secretary James Daly confirmed the union will meet management today to discuss the phased winding down of the plant and redundancy terms for workers.

Tytex Ireland management held a meeting with the workforce last week and informed them that production was to be transferred to plants in southeast Asia and eastern Europe on a phased basis, with the plant to close by March 2011.

Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan of Sinn Fein said the news was huge blow to the town as Tytex was the last manufacturing firm in Youghal following the closure of companies such as Artesyn Technologies, Eastman Kodak, Avery Dennison and others.

"I would estimate Youghal has lost around 2,500 jobs in the last seven to eight years," she said. "There used to be a strong manufacturing base in the town but now with the closure of Tytex it's all gone. It's a very sad day for Youghal."

Mr Daly said the decision by Tytex to close was a devastating blow, not just for the workers directly employed by the company but also for service suppliers as well as for the local economy.

Originally published by BARRY ROCHE Southern Correspondent.

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