Terumo job losses ‘worrying’ for Larne’s manufacturing sector

A 40-plus job loss announcement by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a “concerning” development for Larne’s manufacturing sector.
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That’s the view of East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs after the medical supplies company confirmed this week it is making redundances at its Millbrook manufacturing facility due to a “reduction in demand”.

Mr Beggs said: “The news that 42 jobs are to go from Terumo in Larne is concerning, especially following on from the announcement late last year in the town that 700 jobs will also be lost at Caterpillar (click here).

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“This will be a worrying time for staff and their families. I would urge the company to support their staff and ensure that appropriate financial packages are provided for any staff member made redundant.”

The medical supplies company has two sites in Larne.The medical supplies company has two sites in Larne.
The medical supplies company has two sites in Larne.

In a statement to this newspaper, Terumo said it was reducing the “full-time associate” head count by 42, taking effect from mid-February through to the end of March and was “committed to ensuring that impacted employees receive the appropriate assistance in accordance with local laws”.

The organisation employs 284 people across both its Millbrook and Harbour manufacturing site locations and says Larne remains an important part of its portfolio.

In an update to the earlier statement, a Terumo spokesperson said: “We have an ongoing capital investment programme for both our Millbrook and Harbour sites and commenced a capital investment expansion at our Harbour location which will increase our manufacturing footprint by over 47,000 square feet.

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“The expansion will potentially lead to hiring approximately 100 people in the coming years.”

The Terumo plant at Millbrook, Larne.The Terumo plant at Millbrook, Larne.
The Terumo plant at Millbrook, Larne.

Click here to read: Terumo cutting over 40 posts at Larne manufacturing plant

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