Government 'supporting' Strix after announcement of Ramsey factory closure

Department for Enterprise responds

The Department for Enterprise says it will lend its support to Strix, following the company's announcement that it is to close its factory in Ramsey.

The firm, which designs, manufactures and supplies kettle safety controls, is transferring the base's operations to China at the loss of a number of jobs.

The company told us the specific number of redundancies to be made cannot be confirmed at this time, as it's undergoing a 'full consultation' with all those affected. 

In light of the announcement, the Department for Enterprise said: "The [Department] is aware of the statement issued by Strix regarding its review of the future viability of operations at its Ramsey Manufacturing Facility.

"The Department has a long history of working closely with the engineering and manufacturing sector, including Strix.

"The Department recognises the current global economic uncertainty and the resulting pressures on businesses, particularly rising costs, and understands that businesses need to reassess operations to ensure they are efficient and sustainable over the long term.

"The Department welcomes Strix’s continued commitment to the Isle of Man through the retention of its head office and ongoing operations at Ronaldsway, demonstrating the company’s confidence in the Island's proposition and the continued importance of its Ronaldsway operations to the future of the business.

"The Department will continue to work closely with Strix as the process progresses, and will work with the company to ensure appropriate support is available.

"The Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy recognises the continued strength of the Island’s engineering and manufacturing sector, its significant contribution to the economy, and the Isle of Man’s position as a sustainable location for a range of manufacturing activities.

"Business Isle of Man continues to work closely with the sector to ensure the conditions are in place to support its long-term growth and success."