PLANS to reduce the workforce of a Shannon based fire and carbon monoxide alarm producer by up to 40 are not related to Irish sales of the devices.
The Limerick Post recently reported that EI Electronics had seen demand for carbon monoxide alarms skyrocket, following the death of a Ballyhahill woman in a Cork hotel.
However, the same company has now been forced to cut its 350 strong workforce by 30 to 40, due to the global downturn.
Managin director Mick Guinee told this newspaper that the Irish market was continuing to do well, but that global sales had fallen.
“The sale of carbon monoxide alarms in Ireland is not connected to the job losses.
“There is still a high demand and awareness of the dangers of the are still there.
He said the production of smoke alarms had exceeded sales, and inventory levels had increased.
“Because the products contain batteries, which have a shelf-life, the situation could not continue indefinitely. In normal times natural wastage would take care of this, but it’s not sustainable in the current climate.
“I was reluctant to make the decision, but the move may only be temporary, until inventory returns to normal levels.
“I believe we will come back from this”.
The workers affected are short service staff.
