SIPTU has expressed disappointment at the decision of the management of Kraus & Naimer Ireland Ltd, Shannon, Co. Clare, to place the company into liquidation despite recent talks with workers on strategies to maintain its operation. SIPTU Organiser, Denis Gormalley, said: “The announcement yesterday (Thursday, 5th December) that production at this long established electric switch manufacturing plant will end on 31st January with the probable loss of 60 jobs comes as a bitter disappointment to our members and their families.”He added: “Our 40 members at the plant were particularly angered and shocked when they were informed of the liquidation due to the fact that they had been in talks in recent weeks with management on working through the company’s difficulties with a view to maintaining jobs. “It is now obvious that the parent company has deemed this course of action as unviable. Following a meeting yesterday, further discussions between union representatives and management are scheduled to take place on Thursday (12th December). At these talks SIPTU will explore all avenues open to maintaining employment for our members and, if necessary, securing for them the best redundancy packages possible.”