Majority QIH staff now back working

Almost 70% of staff attached to one of the region’s largest product manufacturing firms, Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH), are now either attending at work or working remotely.

A spokesperson for the business, which has operations on both sides of the Border, between Ballyconnell and Derrylin, says they are now “cautiously optimistic” looking ahead to future economic prospects.

Back at the end of March, QIH closed or substantially scaled back all operations requiring physical attendance due to the coronavirus outbreak, and temporarily laid-off around 600 staff as a result.

Along with that, company directors committed to taking a 50% pay cut.

QIH employs around 830 people.The 230 staff who remained working throughout included employees of Quinn Packaging, a supplier to essential food and retail, as well as QIH management and administrative staff capable of working remotely.

A spokesperson for QIH confirmed toThe Anglo-Celtlast week that approximately 330 of 600 staff furloughed have returned working in either a full or partial capacity.

The development is to help the firm meet demand for materials for essential building projects.

Commenting, Liam McCaffrey, QIH CEO said: “We are very pleased to see some uptake in activity and we are cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery.”

However, he noted that the prospects of a “sustained recovery” will ultimately depend on progress in the fight against COVID-19 and the pace of economic recovery. “It is simply too early to predict at this time,” said Mr McCaffrey.

“In the interim, we are grateful to staff and the broader community for the conscientious way in which they are observing physical distancing and health guidance whilst continuing to support business and community needs.”