Play
JTI tobacco factory closure date pushed back five months
The closure of the JTI tobacco factory in Ballymena has been pushed back for five months.
The remaining 60 staff who were due to leave the factory in May will now be kept on until October.
It was revealed in the Ballymena Guardian on Tuesday after JTI notified north Antrim MP Ian Paisley of the new closure date in a letter.
The decision of JTI to close down was announced in 2014 with the loss of 870 jobs.
And while the majority of staff left in 2016 -the company said the extension will "provide the flexibility to deliver our latest production plans".
In its letter the company said that Wrightbus group would take control of the 100-acre site on December 1 2017.
It added: "We are most grateful to the 60 plus members of the Lisnafillan team who will continue to work in the business until October and to Wrights Group who will now take full possession of our factory site on December 1 2017."
Most Read
- Frontline workers stranded as EasyJet’s descent into chaos continues
- Jeff Wright resigns as director of Green Pastures after stepping back from pulpit
- Richard Neal responds to criticism over use of ‘planter’ term as Arlene Foster highlights US Congressman’s previous tributes to IRA members
- Ulster GAA stars believed to be among around 40 men tricked by 'mega catfish'
- PSNI data breach discovered after an officer tried to stop family trip to US
Top Videos
Play
Play
Play
Latest Northern Ireland
- Coroner rules tragic Orlaith Quinn’s death was ‘foreseeable and preventable’
- Patrick Kielty gives his take on wild nights at Sue Gray’s pub
- Man accused of elbowing heavily pregnant woman in stomach in domestic attack in north Belfast
- 16 children in N Ireland infected with mystery form of hepatitis
- NI parties describe ‘very useful’ meetings with US delegation
Latest
- Coroner rules tragic Orlaith Quinn’s death was ‘foreseeable and preventable’
- Patrick Kielty gives his take on wild nights at Sue Gray’s pub
- Man accused of elbowing heavily pregnant woman in stomach in domestic attack in north Belfast
- Police officer disciplined for misconduct admits failings in Gaia Pope inquiry
- US to leverage bloc opposed to Russia’s war in Ukraine against China – Blinken