Transitions Optical to shed up to 60 jobs in Tuam

ONE of Tuam's largest employers, Transitions Optical is shedding up to 60 jobs at its operation on the Dunmore Road.

The company employs a total workforce of 170 people and staff were informed of the decision to reduce manufacturing volumes in Tuam early this morning.

“We have looked at this every way we can and we have little option,” explained Kevin Minton, Plant Director.

He said that manufacturing volume will be moved to Asia for clients there, while the remaining manufacturing done in Tuam will be for European customers. The customer support and administration functions will remain in Tuam.

The job losses were unexpected and this morning's (Wednesday) announcement has shocked staff and the wider community.

Kevin Minton said in a statement that the exact number of redundancies can't be confirmed but that it's expected that redundancies will be completed by the end of the year.

He added that employees in operations and some operations support functions were informed that the company is beginning a formal collective redundancy process and those whose positions are ultimately made redundant will receive a generous severance package, which will include outplacement services.

Transitions Optical manufacture optical lenses have been in Tuam for close to two decades.