Nexans to close on Friday with almost 100 job losses

Longstanding Athlone employer Nexans Ireland will close its doors this Friday with the loss of almost 100 jobs. It"s been the day the 96 employees, many of whom have been with the firm for over 30 years, have been dreading since the closure announcement was officially made at the end of March. At that stage the electrical cable manufacturer acknowledged the considerable efforts by workers over the years but said they not sustain losses from the plant"s narrow product range, which was being hit by lower prices and severe competition. The company also said at the time that the Athlone plant has been loss-making for most of the past decade. 'It is a huge loss to the town it has been there since 1972. By and large they have been a good employer especially in recent years,' according to SIPTU"s John Kane . 'It is very sad indeed in the last five years they tried to turn things around but it all came to nought', adding that it is another devastating manufacturing sector loss in Athlone. 'A lot of people working there would be in their 50s and beyond and would have skills, although particular and specialised to that industry that would not be easily transferable.' On their prospects for securing alternative employment, Mr Kane said the situation was 'bleak'. Although the company are understood to have employed consultants to help those being laid find other jobs, it"s understood very few have found new employment thus far. Based on the Cornamaddy Road, Nexans Ireland has been engaged in manufacturing power cables for the energy, industrial and general markets since 1972. The company employ 22,000 people worldwide.