Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has reacted to the news that the truck tyre plant at Michelin in Ballymena is being run down.
Mr Swann said:
“This very worrying news coming out of Michelin in Ballymena is another bodyblow for not just the North Antrim economy, but the entire manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland.
This could not have come at a worse time following the failure of Pattons, and the imminent closure of JTI.
“The issue of energy costs for Michelin is something which has been brought up again and again. I recently questioned the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment on this at Stormont and am still waiting for a reply. Whether it has contributed to the current crisis remains to be seen.
“Michelin has been a mainstay of the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland for decades. Closure of the Ballymena plant will have wider repercussions for the entire economy.
“Two foreign direct investors are pulling out of North Antrim. Surely this must send a signal to the Executive that we need a new economic strategy which will concentrate on securing the future of local companies in Northern Ireland.”