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JTI Gallaher: Three-day shutdown at Ballymena factory after jobs blow JTI Gallaher: Ballymena factory closure 'terrible news'
(35 minutes later)
The JTI Gallaher cigarette factory is to shut for three days to allow workers to come to terms with hundreds of job losses, DUP MP Ian Paisley has said. The loss of 800 jobs at a cigarette plant in County Antrim is "terrible news for many loyal workers", the first and deputy first ministers have said.
Staff were told on Tuesday that the plant in Ballymena, County Antrim, is set to close permanently by 2017, with the loss of more than 800 jobs. On Tuesday, staff were told the JTI Gallaher cigarette factory plant in Ballymena is to close permanently by 2017.
Previously known as Gallahers, the firm has manufactured tobacco in Northern Ireland for more then 150 years.Previously known as Gallahers, the firm has manufactured tobacco in Northern Ireland for more then 150 years.
It is a major employer and its closure is a significant blow to the economy.It is a major employer and its closure is a significant blow to the economy.
Management at the factory said there was "shock and tears" as staff were told the news at a series of meetings on Tuesday. Management at the factory said there was "shock and tears" as staff were told the news at a series of meetings.
The Ballymena factory is currently owned by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which took over in 2007.The Ballymena factory is currently owned by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which took over in 2007.
JTI released a statement on Tuesday announcing its intention to "restructure its manufacturing facilities as a result of significant and sustained changes impacting its global business".JTI released a statement on Tuesday announcing its intention to "restructure its manufacturing facilities as a result of significant and sustained changes impacting its global business".
It has proposed moving its existing plants in Northern Ireland and Belgium to other countries, such as Poland and Romania.It has proposed moving its existing plants in Northern Ireland and Belgium to other countries, such as Poland and Romania.
Leading politicians have pledged to support the workers and said they would work to try to mitigate the job losses.Leading politicians have pledged to support the workers and said they would work to try to mitigate the job losses.