Kimball to close Longford factory

Kimball Electronics announced today it is to close its plant in Longford with the loss of all 66 jobs.

Kimball Electronics announced today it is to close its plant in Longford with the loss of all 66 jobs.

In a statement, Kimball said its operation in Longford "has been operating at a financial loss" in recent months and an attempt to sell the plant had failed.

The company - which produces electronics equipment for the car industry - blamed its decision on the high cost of operating in Ireland.

It said it was transferring manufacturing operations from Longford to Poland.

Employees will leave the company on a phased basis with the shut-down to be completed by November 21st.

"We have excellent employees in our Longford operation. We are disappointed that we could not find a redeployment alternative," said Don Charron, president of Kimball Electronics.

Kimball Electronics is a subsidiary of Kimball International, which manufacturers electronic equipment for the medical, car and public safety industries.