Balcas Timber Ltd is to close part of its Magherafelt sawmill because it cannot compete against “intense” low price competition from the Baltic states and Russia.
The closure at the County Londonderry plant, which makes fencing and garden products for the UK DIY retail sector, will take effect in September with the loss of 33 jobs. The remaining 47 staff are unaffected.
Balcas said a number of products manufactured at Magherafelt will now be produced at the company’s more cost-effective Enniskillen facility.
The staff affected by the decision have been on a four-day week since May 28. Balcas management are consulting with the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union about the redundancies.
