Local MP Jim Allister and MLA, Timothy Gaston, had what they described as a very useful 2 hour meeting and factory tour with the local management of Terex in Ballymoney.
On Thursday 3 October, following some recent redundancies, the TUV representatives sat down with General Manager, Jonathan Hanna, at the Ballymoney plant for an in-depth briefing.
Speaking afterwards, Jim Allister said, “We were considerably reassured about the stability of the factory and its much needed jobs going forward. As an indispensable part of the wider Terex operation, the Ballymoney factory is key to the internal supply of Powerscreen and other Terex branches.
“The success of Ballymoney within the wider operation is down to effective management and its dedicated workforce. With Terex a profitable international manufacturer, with a key part of the market in quarry and heavy industry machinery, Ballymoney is central to its operation. Thus, we are hopeful that the recent cyclical downturn will be temporary and that growth in the workforce will return.”
Timothy Gaston MLA said, “The ongoing investment into the Ballymoney plant, with building of the huge new paint shop well underway, speaks to the confidence of the company in the Ballymoney operation.
“The other encouraging takeaway for me from our visit was the preponderance of local Ballymoney folk in the workforce. This factory is vital to the local economy and must be preserved and encouraged in its planned growth.”
Referring to the skills needed in the factory the TUV men spoke of the opportunities for skilled welders and others and of the need to encourage collaboration with local schools and colleges to supply and grow apprenticeship opportunities.”