Heating firm in downturn lay-offs

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The Glen Electric plant in Newry, which makes convector and panel heaters, has said it will lay-off 40 employees.

It blamed the redundancies on competition from China as well as the global recession, which has led to a slowdown in construction.

The company said it regretted the job losses and will consult with those affected to minimise the impact.

Glen Electric NI is part of the Glen Dimplex Group, one of the world's largest electrical heating business.

It employs about 500 people at its manufacturing plants in Newry and Portadown and a new product training facility in Craigavon.

Short-time working has been in place at the Newry plant since early October.