With 50 staff at Fivemiletown Creamery faced with ‘probable redundancy’ after shareholders agreed to a deal with Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd. (GIIL) employees who spoke to the Irish Farmers Journal today say they have a mix of various emotions.

Ian McIntosh, a Master Cheesemaker at Fivemiletown described it as a very sad day for the company. “We are very disappointed it has come to this. It is a mix of anger, disappointment and also bewilderment at what has went wrong” he said.

In 2011 the company announced record sales of £24.5m, with pre-tax profits of over £400,000. But in 2012 the company lost a major contract with Kerry Foods and saw their Managing Director Mervyn McCaughey resign. Reports suggest it has been loss-making since then.

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At a shareholder meeting last night (Thursday) 75% of shareholder were required to vote in favour, if the deal with GIIL was to go-ahead. The Irish Farmers Journal understands that 32 of the 39 shareholders (82%) voted in favour. The deal involves GIIL buying the Fivemiletown cheese brands, except for Boilie goat’s cheese, which Fivemiletown are likely to try to sell on.

“We take immense pride in our work and our names have been directly associated with the brand. But Glanbia could now take the brands anywhere” said Ian McIntosh.

However, his main concern is the impact that the job losses will have on what is a rural part of Northern Ireland. Fivemiletown have been in business since 1898 and were the oldest independent creamery in Ireland. A number of workers have been with the company for 40 years, while others were 2nd generation with the company.

“The loss of 50 jobs in this area is massive. There are few job opportunities in Fermanagh and the knock-on effect on this local community will be great” said McIntosh. Over the last number of years dairy processing at West Ulster Farmers in Irvinestown, Nestle in Omagh and Augher Co-op has all ended.

As part of a consultation process, workers at the Fivemiletown have been asked to nominate three people to represent them in negotiations with management. “We have been told that production could end in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully shareholders and management recognise that we have taken immense pride in our work, have acted with loyalty and dignity, and can give us as good a package as possible” said McIntosh.