Part 1: Ballymena devastated by Michelin closure plans with loss of 860 jobs #BBCNolan
Nov 04, 2015, 10:08 AM
'Apocalyptic' - just one of the words used by the local MP to describe the announcement the Michelin tyre factory in Ballymena will close in 2018 with the loss of 860 jobs.
The company said the decision had been made due to the "significant downturn" in demand for truck tyres in Europe since the financial crisis of 2007. The announcement made yesterday has devastated hundreds of workers and families, as well as sending a chill through the Ballymena area as concerns of the knock on affect builds.
Nicola Weir is live from Ballymena town centre.
Also with us is, Davy Thompson from Unite, local MP the DUPs Ian Paisley and earlier this morning Joel spoke to DETI Minister Jonathan Bell.