Comms cable maker Wessel Industries cuts 120 jobs


5 Mar 2004

Swedish communications cable manufacturer Wessel Industries has dealt a body blow to the struggling Irish electronics manufacturing industry with the news that 120 jobs are to be axed at the company’s Finglas operations.

Wessel, which makes cable assemblies for the telecommunications, data and power industries, is best known for its Cat5 cable products that connect networks in most office buildings.

The company first came to Ireland when it established a manufacturing plant in Longford in 1982 where it continues to engage in technology R&D, engineering, manufacturing, distribution and commercial management. Wessel is a subsidiary of the global Swedish conglomerate ABB Corporation.

It is understood that the 120 jobs in Dublin will be phased out over the next 12 months.

Wessel said that the decision was made on the basis of tough trading conditions for the company. It said that it intends to consolidate operations at its Longford facility.

By John Kennedy