Sensata Technologies to close Carrick site with nearly 300 job losses

  • Sensata Technologies has announced the gradual closure of its Carrickfergus factory by 2021, with the loss of 270 jobs.

    The firm – previously Schrader Electronics - makes tyre pressure sensors and blamed the closure on the downturn in the European car market. This comes after 125 jobs were cut last year. It currently has 1,178 employees in Northern Ireland.

    The company has a larger factory in Antrim that will remain open, but a small number of jobs at this site will also be affected.

    Yann Etienvre, senior vice president of global operations, said the company was facing "a perfect storm of European market conditions". This this led to a "significant drop in demand" for products made at the Carrickfergus site, according to BBC News.

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    "There has been a well-documented fall in the global automotive industry and this has been further heightened by consolidation in our market, with existing customers being absorbed into large entities whose manufacturing processes use alternative products to our own," he added.

    Sensata has had significant operations in Northern Ireland involving the design and manufacture of valve, mechanical and electronic system components and sensing technologies. It acquired Schrader Electronics in 2014, which was founded in 1988.

    About the author

    Niamh is a Sync NI writer with a previous background of working in FinTech and financial crime. She has a special interest in sports and emerging technologies. To connect with Niamh, feel free to send her an email or connect on Twitter.

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