A factory which employs up to 900 computer workers in Limavady in County Derry is to close.
Seagate told workers of the decision this afternoon. The proposed closure will take place in the second half of next year.
The factory, which began production in 1997, currently employs 768 permanent and 159 temporary workers. It makes computer hard-drives and other information storage products.
A Seagate statement said the company's nearby facility in Springtown, Co Derry, which employs almost 1,400 people, would continue to operate.
Dr William O'Kane, plant manager at the Limavady factory, said that the company 'deeply regretted' having to take this action. He blamed a number of factors, including lower labour costs at its competitors, foreign exchange movements and higher shipping and utilities costs.
'We have examined several options to maintain some or all of the Limavady facility but none proved financially viable,' he added.
