Councillor warns that major employer in Kiltimagh may close operation

ONE of the biggest employers in Kiltimagh is at risk of moving out of the area, according to a local elected representative.

Cllr Adrian Forkan said that it has been rumoured locally that Genfitt could be about to move its operations out of the town.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, Cllr Forkan said that the loss of approximately 50 jobs at the facility would be ‘a huge loss to the town’.

Genfitt was set up in Kiltimagh in 1973 and is one of the country’s largest independent wholesale suppliers of agricultural components, machinery parts and spares.

“We’ve already lost two banks, we’re just about holding onto the post office, I don’t know how many shops have closed, I don’t know how many pubs have closed. If we were to lose the likes Genfitt, which is one of two major employers Kiltimagh, you may as well throw the town in and pull the shutter down,” said Cllr Forkan.

His fellow Fianna Fáil councillor, John Caulfield, echoed his concerns, saying that ‘every effort’ should be made to ensure the company remains in Kiltimagh.

Cllr Forkan asked if the council had an alternative site available that could accommodate the company locally.

Mayo County Council Chief Executive, Kevin Kelly, said it was his understanding that a site had been offered to Genfitt.

The company’s website says that it operates from a 40,000 square foot premises on Kiltimagh’s Knock Road and employs over 60 staff.

It changed hands in 2005 before it was acquired last year by Kramp Group, a Dutch company which describes itself as ‘Europe’s largest specialist in parts and accessories for the agricultural industry’.

Kramp Group currently operates 11 distribution centres and 24 sales offices across Europe.

In a press release issued at the time of the acquisition, Kramp described itself and Genfitt as ‘a great fit’ that would ‘further develop and strengthen our market position in Ireland’.

“Together, they will continue to build an even stronger presence in Ireland,” it added.

“Their customers will gain access to a wider assortment, improved delivery times, and an additional network of suppliers, partners, technical knowledge, and services.”

The Mayo News has contacted Genfitt for a comment on the matter.