A second potential investor has expressed an interest in purchasing Waterford Crystal’s Kilbarry operation as a going concern.
Company receiver David Carson met with union chiefs on Tuesday afternoon to inform them that ‘tentative’ talks had commenced with a new group of investors interested in buying the plant, with a view to continuing manufacturing. However the extent of this proposed manufacturing is not yet clear.
The group, understood to be based outside the country, will travel to Waterford this weekend for further talks with Mr Carson. Discussions are also ongoing with potential buyer KPS Capital Partners.
Workers at Kilbarry commenced their second week of short time working on Monday, amidst heightened fears that time is running out for Mr Carson to secure a buyer for the plant. There was widespread anger last week when 40% redundancy payments still owing to over 200 workers who left the factory last year were stopped by the receiver. UNITE, the union representing the majority of Crystal workers, has contacted redundant and retired workers and posted notices in the factory calling for ‘collective’ action from all its past and present members.
Meanwhile Waterford Wedgwood plc confirmed on Monday that it had received notice of the resignation of Mr Peter John Goulandris as a director of Waterford Wedgwood plc and from any subsidiary boards of which he was a board member. Mr Goulandris’ resignation is effective immediately.
