Kostal, which makes electronic parts for the car industry, is a major employer in the south-west with plants in Mallow and Abbeyfeale. Both plants employ around 1,000 people, many of whom live in Kerry.

Recently, the company has sought voluntary redundancies from Abbeyfeale because of a global fall off in demand. Rory Hawkins is SIPTU organiser for Kostal in Abbeyfeale.