'Tremendously sad outcome' for 95-strong workforce as Glens of Antrim Potatoes ceases to trade following appointment of administrators
One of Northern Ireland’s best-known potato growing and packing companies has ceased trading with the loss of around 90 jobs.
Joint administrators were appointed on Monday (September 21) to Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, which operates from sites in Ballymena and Cushendall.
The announcement has been described as “a tremendously sad outcome” for the business, which employs 95 staff, and the agri-food sector.
Established in 1972 in the heart of the Glens, the company began with a passion for field-to-fork quality, growing and packing potatoes for leading supermarkets and other grocery chains across Ireland.
It also produces a range of hand-cooked potato crisps which retail under the Glens of Antrim Crisps brand.
The joint administrators are Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard and Robin Coughlin, from Interpath, which supports clients with the provision of advisory and restructuring services.
In a statement Interpath explained the agri-food sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years, with businesses up and down the supply chain impacted heavily by rising input costs.
The statement added: “For Glens of Antrim, these pressures had a significant and detrimental impact on cashflow. In response, the directors explored a range of options, including refinancing and investment, but sadly, with no solvent options available, they had to take the very difficult decision to request the appointment of the joint administrators.
"Following the appointment, the company has ceased to trade. As a result, and with deep regret, all of the company’s employees, with the exception of a small skeleton staff retained to support the administrators, have been made redundant.”
The joint administrators and their specialist employment team will be providing support to those impacted.
Stuart Irwin, managing director at Interpath, commented: “Glens of Antrim has been growing and supplying potatoes across Ireland for over 50 years, so this is a tremendously sad outcome for the business, its dedicated team, the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, and the wider community in Ballymena and Cushendall.”
The joint administrators are now seeking interest in the business and its assets, and would invite any interested parties to make contact with the team at the earliest opportunity via [email protected] .