KINGSPAN has confirmed it plans to close its Springvale EPS facility near Ballyclare, putting 23 jobs at risk.
The Cavan-based company, which bought the Co Antrim insulation specialist in 2011, said it will consolidate production of expanded polystyrene (EPS) at its site in Askeaton Co Limerick.
Kingspan said it launched a review of the operation on the back of declining sales.
The company said it is currently engaged in a consultation process with staff.
The Unite union said last night that the consultation had now ended without any movement from the company.
The union’s regional officer Kevin McAdam said: “It would now appear that closure in the coming few months is imminent.
“We have tried to persuade the company to continue with the Co Antrim plant but it appears they are keener to concentrate their business in their plant in Askeaton in Co Limerick.”
Mr McAdam claimed post-Brexit trade barriers had factored into the decision.
It comes just one week after Kingspan announced the acquisition of Danish insulation company Logstar in a €253 million deal.
In a statement the company said: “Kingspan is engaged in a consultation process with staff regarding the future of its Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) production facility in Ballyclare, Co Antrim.
“Following a review of its operations due to declining sales, the company intends to consolidate all of its EPS production at its facility in Askeaton, Co Limerick
“The proposed closure puts 23 staff members at risk of redundancy, following a consultation period.
“Kingspan will work with staff to explore the option to transfer to roles at other Kingspan facilities where suitable.”
The factory site on the Springvale Road dates back to the late 18th century. Initially operating as a linen bleachworks, it was acquired by the Cooke family in the 1930s.
The plant transitioned to expanded polystyrene (EPS) in 1964 with the company changing its name to Springvale EPS in the 1980s.
The family business was acquired by CRH in 2000 and in 2011 CRH in turn sold it to Cavan-based Kingspan.
