Athlone factory to close in July

An long established Athlone factory is set to close this summer with the loss of 40 jobs.

Workers at Lund Precision Products were told by management yesterday of the company's intention to close the Garrycastle facility in July, with employees leaving on a phased basis from May onwards.

The company, which has been operating in Athlone over 35 years, is owned by Fisher Barton, the US-headquartered multinational which specialises in the manufacture of superior components. It only acquired the Athlone facililty in 2012.

Bill Sanders, President, Fisher Barton Specialty Products, said: “Regrettably, the decision has been taken to close the Athlone facility in the coming months. This is obviously very difficult news for our committed team of skilled people, many of whom have been with the company for several years.

The decision to cease production in no way reflects on the performance of the site or the calibre of the team in Athlone. Rather, it arises from a significant reduction in demand for products manufactured at the site”.

With limited production to continue through July, Fisher Barton said it plans an orderly wind-down of the Athlone facility. Employees at the facility have been informed of the decision and the company will be engaging with them and their representatives over the coming days and weeks in relation to the consequences of this decision for them.

Lund Precision Products Ireland manufacture blades and components for various types of agricultural equipment including forage harvesters, combines, corn headers, round and square hay balers, mixer feeders, silage grabs, augers and tillage tools.