Sensata Technologies to axe 160 posts

Sensata Technologies is reducing its Antrim workforce. Image by Google.

Staff were today (Friday) informed of the intention to reduce the workforce across production, engineering and support roles.

The global operator said the decision was in response to a significant drop in market demand due to the global Covid-19 pandemic

In January, the tyre pressure monitoring systems manufacturer announced its Carrickfergus factory was to close with the loss of 270 jobs.

The company has had a significant manufacturing and R&D presence in Northern Ireland since its 2014 acquisition of Schrader Electronics, which was founded in 1988. The company has 1,058 employees in the province.

Eric Sorret, vice president at Sensata Technologies, said: “As part of our long term planning it has become clear that the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic will have a profound and lasting impact on the demand for direct tyre pressure monitoring systems.

“Vehicle manufacturers around the world are significantly cutting their forecasts for the coming years with global passenger vehicle demand set to be reduced by between 20 and 30 percent.

“This long-term reduction in market demand has already directly affected our Northern Ireland-manufactured product lines and we regret to announce that we will be making a series of reductions to the workforce at our Antrim site during 2020 and early 2021.

“Like many businesses around the world, Sensata is adapting to a fast changing, challenging situation and our priority now is to support our affected employees and their families as we begin a collective consultation period. During this 90-day period proposed alternatives to compulsory redundancy will be considered. We will be providing advice and career transition guidance to affected employees.

“Despite these difficult operational decisions Sensata remains committed to Northern Ireland and will continue to invest in the development of ‘Smart and Connected’ products to support future growth.”

Reacting to the announcement, Alliance South Antrim MLA John Blair said it’s vital immediate support is given to the workforce.

“This is devastating news for the workers at Sensata and my thoughts are with them and their loved ones,” said Mr Blair.

“This will undoubtedly impact not only Antrim but the wider South Antrim area, and will be a major blow to our regional economy, especially following the announcement relating to the Carrick site earlier this year.

“It is vital immediate support mechanisms are put in place for the workers to be able to find alternative employment, and I will be raising this directly with the Economy Minister. This move is no reflection on the workforce but rather global factors, and I hope other companies will be able to pick up on their skills and talents.”

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