KOSTAL Ireland met with trade union representatives this week to update them about the ongoing planning for the transfer of on board charger (OBC) production from its Abbeyfeale plant.
KOSTAL recently announced it had completed a review of business viability at its Abbeyfeale site and decided to transfer OBC (units that allow electric cars to charge from the electricity grid) production out of Ireland.
Employee representatives were this week informed that engagement with key customers about the production transfer are ongoing, while the work of the international project team assigned to manage the transfer process is continuing.
“KOSTAL Ireland remains committed to informing employees at Abbeyfeale as soon as further details about the business transfer become available. KOSTAL has been present in Ireland since 1981 and remains committed to acting in a fair, balanced, and constructive way as the company navigates the current challenges facing the automotive industry,” a spokesperson told the Limerick Post.
Sinn Féin senator Joanne Collins said that KOSTAL’s announcement will cause deep concern in Abbeyfeale.
“While the company speaks of ‘transfer planning’, what staff need now is clarity about their futures. Kostal has been a vital employer in West Limerick for over 40 years. Any loss of jobs would be a serious blow to a region already struggling with closures and lack of investment,” she said.
Senator Collins called for the Enterprise Minister to engage with KOSTAL management and unions to protect jobs and ensure rural Limerick is not left behind once again.
