Devastating jobs blow to carrickmacross for 140 bose workers

Audio equipment maker Bose has today announced that it is to close its factory in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, with the loss of around 140 jobs.

The multinational announced the closure is part of a worldwide cost-cutting programme. It had been in Carrickmacross since 1978 and the company will transfer operations to Malayasia and Mexico in April.

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has stated that he is 'devastated' at the announcement, 'which is a huge blow to south Monaghan'.

Carthy said: “I know many of the 140 full time Bose staff personally and I am absolutely devastated to hear of the planned closure of this manufacturing plant in Carrickmacross. The plant is a well established local employer and the announcement today will cause widespread disbelief.

“Today’s announcement is not just a harsh blow to the staff and their families but to the wider community and local economy, which will be severely impacted by the closure of the plant.

“Unfortunately, this area has been ignored by too long by successive Governments. I recently highlighted the fact that Monaghan has only has two visits by the IDA in the past five years and many will remember that Bose was the last significant employer attracted to this region by the IDA in the late '70s.

“I am calling on Minister Bruton to immediately engage with the senior management at the plant and attempt to preserve these jobs,” he said.

The company, which assembles home theatre systems and radios for the European market, also announced the closure of a plant in South Carolina in the US.