Fenestration & Glass Services (FGS), which opened its plant in November 2008 for the manufacture of hurricane impact windows, doors and all related components, has decided to leave Grand Bahama and mo…
Fenestration & Glass Services (FGS), which opened its plant in November 2008 for the manufacture of hurricane impact windows, doors and all related components, has decided to leave Grand Bahama and move its production to North Carolina. The reasons behind this pull-out, which will affect some 50 employees, are due to a dispute over the high cost of electricity from Grand Bahama Power Company. A press release from managing director Phil Popple confirmed “with great sadness” that Fenestration has started to withdraw from Freeport. “This sad loss of jobs and future jobs is a huge blow for Grand Bahama and is a direct result of the appalling quality and high costs of the electricity from Grand Bahama Power Company,” the release stated. According to Fenestration, the power company owes it USD 170,000 while Grand Bahama Power Company claims that Fenestration owes USD 120,000. Remaining in Grand Bahama would mean fighting GBPC in court and spending more money on legal fees, Fenestration said. Talks have begun with both companies with the Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing and Minister of Works Neko Grant, who are concerned over the glass manufacturer“s announcement. Management and supervisory staff have, however, been offered a position to relocate to North Carolina.