Government urged to provide robust support to Wellman workers

The Ministers for Enterprise and Social Protection have been urged to intervene to support workers at Wellman International as the company enters examinership.

"Government must support the workers, facilitate consultation, and ensure that their interests are prioritised during this critical period," said Deputy Johnny Guirke, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers’ Rights.

"There is an urgent need to protect workers’ rights. It is vital workers are not left vulnerable, and that their voices are fully heard, along with their unions."

The company which began operations in Mullagh in 1973, employs 217 people and is the largest European producer of recycled polyester fibres. The site was acquired by Indorama Ventures in 2011. The company has reported losses in the double-digit millions across 2023 and 2024, driven by increased energy prices following geopolitical conflicts and fierce competition from low-priced imports from China, Africa, and the Middle East.

Deputy Guirke said news that Wellman’s is entering examinership is concerning for all workers involved.

“During such uncertain times, workers must be at the heart of any decision-making process. They deserve full transparency, meaningful consultation, and assurances that their rights and livelihoods will be protected.

"The government must step up and provide robust support to ensure that workers are looked after and are not sacrificed in the pursuit of corporate restructuring.

“It is essential that every effort is made to safeguard jobs and uphold workers’ rights throughout this examinership process.

“Myself and my colleagues in Sinn Féin stand in solidarity with the workers at Wellman’s and all employees facing uncertainty.”

Wellman International Limited, which employs over 200 people, has filed a petition with the High Court to place its operation in Mullagh, Co. Cavan, into examinership.

In a statement yesterday the business stated its belief that the operation does have a potential future and accordingly has elected to apply for examinership.

An interim examiner, Mr Kieran Wallace of Interpath Advisory, has now been appointed to engage with all stakeholders and, if his appointment is confirmed by the High Court, he will continue efforts to devise a workable survival scheme."

Anthony Troy, director, Wellman International, said: “This decision is no reflection on the hard work and commitment of our employees in Mullagh. We are aware of the uncertainty and concern this will cause for our people as we attempt to secure the survival of the company.

"For more than two years, management has taken action to cope with the situation. Unfortunately, these measures have not proved sufficient to overcome the challenges we are facing. We want to do everything we can to enable the operation to continue in business and retain as much employment as possible. Examinership gives us the best prospect of doing that. It is important, however, that we acknowledge that there is the potential for a reduction in our headcount as part of this process.”