Tobacco factory jobs boost hailed in the North
Tobacco giant Gallaher’s creation of 95 new jobs at its Co Antrim plant could draw in further employment, it was claimed today.
Public representatives described the firm’s decision to strengthen its Ballymena operation as a huge vote of confidence in the area.
SDLP North Antrim MLA Declan O’Loan said: “This is very welcome news and will serve as a major boost to the local economy in the Ballymena area.
“I hope that today’s announcement will serve as a catalyst to other firms to locate in Ballymena and provide further sources of employment for the local community.
“There can be little doubt that a highly motivated, highly skilled workforce remains to be tapped in the area and today’s announcement is an important recognition of that fact.”
The shift to Ballymena, where 900 people are already employed, comes as part of a decision which will also see Gallaher shed 184 jobs by shutting its Cardiff factory in September 2009.
The company, bought by Japan Tobacco earlier this year, said it was a commercial decision to move the operation to Northern Ireland.
A decline in the UK cigar market, accelerated by the smoking ban, was given as a reason.
