Management at the company, which had been operating in Coalisland since 1942, announced the closure late last week (Friday 2 August). Owner Peter Quinn said the decision was sparked by adverse trading conditions.
“The escalating costs of sourcing produce, rising production expenses and an increasingly competitive local market have created conditions which have made our business unsustainable,” said Quinn. “I have no choice but to make this extremely difficult decision and close our operation here in Coalisland.
Livelihood of Co Tyrone
“This business has not just been a livelihood for four generations of my own family, but also for countless other Co Tyrone families down through the years, with longstanding relationships with local growers and producers. I do not underestimate the terrible blow this will be for families in our area.”
Social Democratic and Labour Party Mid Ulster councillor Malachy Quinn said the closure of Quinfresh was devastating news for Coalisland.
“Quinfresh has been a big local name for the last 80 years in Coalisland,” he said. “The family has nurtured the company and provided good jobs for local people for a long time. News that they are to close their doors is devastating.
‘Significant blow for Coalisland’
“I will be speaking to company management today [Friday 2 August] and to workers affected by the announcement. This is a significant blow for Coalisland and we have to do all we can to ensure further opportunities are made available for the staff in the immediate future.”
Meanwhile, meat processor Gressingham Game – a sister company to Gressingham Foods – has ended production at its site in Yorkshire, axing 12 jobs. The decision to cease production in Brompton comes just 14 months after Gressingham purchased the former Yorkshire Game site.
