23 Job Losses Following Clara Factory Fire

The fire blazing at the factory on January 7

By Justin Kelly


23 people have lost their jobs at the Flat Bread Company factory in Clara, following the devastating fire at the premises on January 7. The fire broke out at the factory in at Carraigmore Industrial Unit early on Wednesday evening, January 7, and locals described the damage "extensive."

A statement on behalf of the company and its directors today revealed the extent of the damage, culminating in the job losses. The statement read: “Excluding seasonal and temporary workers, this affects 23 people, with only nine people being retained on a full or part-time basis. We have been considering all options with our insurers to see how we can reopen as soon as possible."

The statement called the job losses "devastating" for workers, but explained the reasons behind the "regretful" decision. “The existing building will need to be demolished and we are currently working through the situation with our insurers, suppliers and staff. Our aspiration is to return to the area and recommence business as soon as possible. However, as we are totally reliant on specialist equipment which has to be manufactured and then sourced from the USA, this means that it is very unlikely we will be up and running again before the summer,” it said.

With the emphasis on a long-term return to the factory in Clara, the statement highlighted the importance of "putting in place a contingency supply for some products" in order to cause as little disruption as possible for customers, and in turn securing The Flat Bread Company's future with those companies.

The statement recognised the support being offered to ensure the re-opening of the factory: "We would like to thank all those who have offered support to us at this difficult time and hope we can get up and running as quickly as possible," it read.