38 jobs will go in cigar factory closure

WORKERS at a cigar factory which has been providing steady employment in Ballaghaderreen since the late 1970s received the shock news in recent days that production is to cease.

Exclusive Cigar Manufacturers currently employ 38 at the manufacturing facility on the Charlestown Road, Ballaghaderreen.

The firm started off as Hofnar in December 1978. Later it was known as Villiger. It was run successfully for many years by Roscommon man Gerry O'Dowd and members of his family.

In a statement on Thursday last, the company, one of the largest employers in the Ballaghaderreen area, said it intends to engage in consultation with staff to explore any alternatives to the proposed closure before issuing redundancy notifications from May 15 to all staff at the plant.

Workers have been taken aback at the news with all stating that they had no idea a closure was imminent.