A BID to buy the Aventas Group by three businessmen has received widespread backing from former Quinn Group employees who say it offers a beacon of hope amid claims that the company is facing a future of uncertainty.
A union member from Unite, who represents the vast majority of Aventas employees, stated that plans to sell off the company in a ‘piecemeal disposal’ would be disastrous for future investments and local career opportunities.
The three businessmen leading the consortium group, called Quinn Business Retention Company (QBRC) include the former managing director of Fisher Engineering, Ernie Fisher, John McCartin, a Fine Gael councillor in Co Leitrim and John O’Hagan, managing director of the Specialist Joinery Group in Maghera.
They have received the backing from eight former senior executives in the Quinn Group, including the former group chief executive Liam McCaffrey from Enniskillen.
Mr McCaffrey, who has been instrumental in putting the bid together, met with two Unite representatives and two union stewards who represent the Aventas workforce along with Mr McCartin and John Lee, the former Group Logistics and Transport Director.
Following last Thursday’s meeting, Mr McCaffrey told the Herald that it was important to have the backing of the employees.
“As a local group we always anticipate having the support of the employees and to have this type of support through the representation body (Unite) is comfort and important to us as we move forward,” he said.
“There’s a lot of nervousness right across the company, particularly from the drivers in relation to the transfer of the Quinn transport fleet (to Dutch company, CEVA Logistics). They are very concerned as to what that means.
“And now we are of the understanding that Aventas are in discussions to sell Quinn Packaging which increases the concern.
“Head office jobs, drivers’ jobs and now packaging jobs are under threat as there is no guarantee of job protection and it’s clear some of these factories will be sold off.
“They have already sold the roof-tile business (to Lagan Cement Products) and the transport fleet and now the possible sale of Quinn Packaging has been announced.
“Will they be sold off to someone who only wants it for its turnover and as a result remove all assets from the area?
“Are these businesses going to be dealt with in this type of fashion and be sold to the highest bidder with no protection to jobs?” he asked.
The consortium group outlined the proposals in their mission statement which says they are committed to retaining the company’s factories and headquarters in the Fermanagh and Co Cavan area “while creating the necessary environment for strong future career growth for local people”.
The proposal, which was handed to Aventas financial advisors, states their intention of buying the manufacturing company in its entirety.
Aventas said they will hold discussions with the group if they provide proof of available finance and the process is expected to take six to eight weeks.
Mr McCaffrey believes the growing issues surrounding Aventas has become a political issue and has called on local politicians to take an active role in helping to retain jobs in the Fermanagh area.
“At the time Aventas took over there was protection measures put in place that would secure jobs in the local area and I want to see politicians delivering on those promises made at the time,” he continued.
“Our proposal is very clear – that we buy in its entirety and that represents the best progress of retaining all jobs as opposed to their (Aventas) strategy to sell parts of it off.
“We know what we want to do and there is a clear alternative as to what they can offer.”
In a statement issued by Arlene Foster, the Minister for Enterprise, she said: “Due to the commercially sensitive nature of business negotiations it would not be appropriate to comment.”
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