Statement by Cllr Timothy Gaston, Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council:
“My immediate thoughts are with those who will be losing their jobs. For a company held in such high esteem it is a tough pill to swallow that they are making this decision.
“This council area has a lot to offer companies – we have a skilled workforce and a work ethic to match. Invest NI needs to up their game and attract foreign direct investment to fill the void left by companies such as Pattons, JTI / Gallaher and now Caterpillar.
“I will be using my term as Deputy Mayor to sell our area as one worthy of such investment.”
Echoing the Deputy Mayor’s comments, Cllr Ruth Wilson added:
“I am saddened to learn that there will be redundancies in Caterpillar, which will be another blow to the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland.
“My thoughts are with those whose who are in line for this redundancy and I hope that their expertise can be utilised by another company.”