Uncertainty over Longford company

An announcement on the future of some 100 jobs at B3 Cable Solutions in Longford at has been deferred today.

An announcement on the future of some 100 jobs at B3 Cable Solutions in Longford at has been deferred today.

It was thought the fate of the company would become clear today when deadline expired for expressions of interest in a takeover of the company.

However, the receiver indicated today he will not be meeting staff nor making any statement on the company's future until early next week at the earliest.

If receiver Alan Flanagan fails to secure a suitable owner, the company is expected to go into liquidation with the loss of all 104 jobs. Union representatives from the cable manufacturer met Mr Flanagan in Longford yesterday. Talks were also held between the receiver and the IDA.

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B3 Solutions manufactures copper and optic fibre cables at its plant at Aghafad, Co Longford. Last week staff were told they face redundancy unless a buyer can be found for the business.

Staff heard yesterday how the receiver could not confirm whether any expression of interest in purchasing the cable manufacturing plant had been received.

However, trade union Siptu, which represents 85 general operative and supervisor staff at the company, said it was not too late to find purchasers to take over the company as a going concern ahead of the deadline for the receiver of noon tomorrow.

Siptu branch organiser Sean Nolan said union members at the plant are “very angry” at the manner in which their jobs have been placed under threat. “It is up to all concerned, including the receiver, public representatives, the IDA and the Government to save this plant before it is too late," he added.

The receiver was appointed to the company last week.