Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development, described the closure of manufacturing at Element Six, with the loss of 370 jobs, as a severe blow for the employees and their families and offered the sympathies of the organisation to the families affected.
“Element Six, formerly DeBeers, has been a leading employer in the Shannon Free Zone since their establishment in 1963, and this news is a major disappointment for Shannon and the wider region” said Dr Cunnane.
Dr Cunanne went on to say “The announcement that 80 jobs will be retained in Shannon in the areas of R&D and Global Customer Services and Support, is positive and shows the high skills base that exists in Element Six. Shannon Development will be working with Element Six to strengthen and grow these high skills functions at their Shannon base”.
“The loss of manufacturing at Element Six highlights the critical importance of competitiveness as a national issue which must be tackled if Ireland and the Shannon region are to remain attractive locations for international business” said Dr Cunnane.
“Shannon Development will work with management and staff of Element Six, and with other government agencies, to assist in developing alternative options for these highly skilled people” said Dr Cunnane.
