David Andrews
Ceist:11 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to encourage Forbairt to support the recommencement of trading by Sunbeam Industries Limited, Blackpool, Cork. [10721/95]
Written Answers. - Sunbeam Industries Limited, Cork.
Máirín Quill
Ceist:25 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the steps, if any, he will take to expedite a speedy finalisation of a buyout bid at Sunbeam Industries Limited, Blackpool, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10978/95]
Tony Killeen
Ceist:58 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to encourage Forbairt to support the recommencement of trading by Sunbeam Industries Limited, Blackpool, Cork. [10864/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 25 and 58 together.
The House is no doubt aware that Forbairt, at its board meeting yesterday, 14 June, approved a significant project for the take over of the Sunbeam operations in Cork. I welcome this decision which comes as a result of very detailed negotiations and strenuous efforts by Forbairt.
A new company, Millfield Textiles Limited, will be set up in early July and it is envisaged that 100 people will be employed at full production. Millfield Textiles Limited is being formed by a group of Irish business people with wide experience in textiles and general business. The new company plans to build on the business developed by Sunbeam on the home and export markets.
Millfield Textiles Limited will have to compete in a very competitive market. The company is confident, however, that it has the right management team and can succeed with the co-operation, loyalty and the skills of the Cork workforce.
The consistent and painstaking efforts made by Forbairt over recent months to put in place a viable operation have now been brought to a successful conclusion with the finalisation of this project. I would like to acknowledge the constructive approach played by all parties in the process.