A local councillor says now is the time to act in relation to Wellman International who has filed a petition with the High Court to place its operation in Mullagh into examinership.
The local company in employs 217 people and is the largest European producer of recycled polyester fibres. Following the announcement on Tuesday evening, concerns have been raised for the 200 plus people employed at the facility.
Cllr Shane P O'Reilly says he is hopeful that a buyer can be found for the operation and the local jobs can be saved. He highlighted that there are many other people that benefit from the local facility directly and indirectly.
The independent councillor said it's important to remember that Wellman International has put Mullagh firmly on the map. The business began operations in Mullagh in March 1973 and the site was acquired by Indorama Ventures in 2011.
The company said Wellman has seen losses in the double-digit millions across 2023 and 2024, resulting from increased energy prices following geopolitical conflicts and fierce competition from low-priced imports from China, Africa and Middle East. Cllr O'Reilly says while he's hopeful of a resolution. He says himself and other representatives need to do whatever it takes to keep the jobs in the area.
