Castlecomer’s largest employer, Ormonde Brick Ltd, last week announced that it is to suspend all production-related activity at its brick production facility in Castlecomer as of December 19.
Once again market conditions have forced management to take this decision in an effort to clear surplus stock at the plant. Bricks are piled up in the yard illustrating the lack of demand for brick at the moment.
Workers were informed of the decision by management at a meeting on Wednesday December 3, following negotiations with a SIPTU union representative and shop stewards. The company has agreed to meet with employee representatives again on February 18, 2009 to review production requirements for the year.
An ongoing decline in demand for brick products as well as a downturn in the construction industry in Ireland, has led to a significant stock build at the plant.
Management at Ormonde Brick have expressed their regret in having to take this action particularly on foot of similar closures which took place during 2007, and earlier in 2008.
Normal operations will continue at Ormonde Brick until the temporary closure begins. Sales office and dispatch activities will continue to operate as normal during the closure period.
Ormonde Brick would like to acknowledge the efforts and co-operation of employees at this time.
