Coulter welcomes Gallaher Jobs Boost
Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has “warmly welcomed” the news the Gallaher factory at Ballymena’s Lisnafillan is to expand its workforce by creating a further 95 jobs.
Assemblyman Dr Coulter said the additional employment provided a clear recognition from the company’s management that the Ballymena plant’s existing workforce of more than 900 demonstrated “a first rate reputation for hard work, dedication and professionalism”.
He added: “However, we are saddened by the accompanying news the additional jobs in Ballymena is tempered by the loss of nearly 200 jobs with the closure of Gallaher’s Cardiff plant.
“But as a North Antrim community, we must take heart that the expansion programme at Lisnafillen is a recognition of the long-term security and future of the factory in spite of the downturn in the tobacco industry since 1999.
“The Gallaher plant has been a significant employer, not just in the Ballymena borough, but right across our North Antrim constituency and county for many decades.
“I wish the factory management and workers continued success and hope Gallaher reaches a financial position where it can invest further in the constituency by creating even more employment,” said Assemblyman Dr Coulter.