South Antrim MLA and Ulster Unionist economy spokesperson Steve Aiken OBE MLA has reacted with dismay to the news that Doagh based Chain Reaction Cycles, which recently merged with Wiggle, are set to potentially lose 300 jobs.
Steve Aiken MLA said:
“It is massively disappointing that Wiggle CRC have announced their intention to concentrate most of their distribution through their Wolverhampton warehouse facility, to the detriment of Doagh, Ballyclare and Carrickfergus.
“I am shocked at the numbers of workers who will be affected, not least because the story of Chain Reaction Cycles has, up to now, been one of continual expansion and success. From its early days starting in Ballynure, its online cycle business has developed into a global success, and it has become one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic businesses. This will also significantly affect the Royal Mail as Chain Reaction have been one of their biggest customers.
“While the newly merged company has opened up formal consultations with their employees, we must hope that as many jobs are retained in South Antrim as possible. Even at this late stage I would hope that the company would reconsider and realise that Northern Ireland is and can be a better hub than Wolverhampton. I have called on Invest NI and the Economy Minister to engage proactively with the company to overcome this short sighted decision.”