Five workers laid off in November Plan to redevelop St. George's site Skilled mechanics and labourers have been made redundant as Meyer Industries winds down its marine and automotive division and looks to develop the St.

George's site differently.

Company president Henry Hayward last night confirmed that five staff were made redundant at the end of November and he revealed that two more would follow this month.

"That leaves four men in the shop workroom itself,'' he said, "and another half a dozen in the cradle. Some of those men are full time but I believe two of them are part time workers,'' he added.

Asked if the workers had expected the news Mr. Hayward said no but added that the company had become increasingly aware of the value of the site on Wellington Slip Road and had reviewed its use several times.

"The property is so valuable and this decision gives us more flexibility for its use,'' he said.

"Looking at the whole area there is three acres of waterfront property and vacant property beside it which we could use as a development in the future,'' he said.

Unwilling to divulge what ideas the company was contemplating for the future development, Mr. Hayward said it would be something to "compliment marine operations in the area''.

"When we decide exactly what that is then we release that information to the public,'' he said.

In the meantime, Meyer Industries will continue its steel and fabrication business as well as its tug and transport of line boats. The 1,000-ton cradle business will also continue.

Mr. Hayward said that the five men who were made redundant had jobs to go to when they left the company.

"They are all very skilled tradesmen,'' he said. "They will not have any difficulty getting new work.'' Henry Haward