The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

MORTON Salt, Inagua's largest employer, has resumed "limited operations" following the damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

The company, in a statement via its spokesman, Paul Jackiewicz, said: "The Morton Bahamas production site on the island of Inagua has resumed limited operations following the impact of Hurricane Irma last month. "At this time, we cannot provide a precise date as to when the site will return to full capacity because of the unique logistical challenges and other variables. Our team, as well as engineering consultants, have had a consistent presence at the site throughout the process to ensure a safe and timely return to full operations."

Morton Salt, a subsidiary of the German K&S Group, which acquired the company in 2009, had acknowledged there was some "structural damage" as a result of Hurricane Irma. The company, which employs 145 people on Inagua, had shut down its plant on September 6 as the storm approached. Jennifer Brown, head of the Bahamas Industrial Manufacturers and Allied Workers Union (BIMAWU), told Tribune Business that most employees were still on a three-day work week. "It's still a three-day work week, but some persons are on four days as they try to get the plant back up and running," she said. "The maintenance people are working four days a week. They are moving salt, not the usual way but they are getting it on the ship. It looks like by the end of November things may be back to full operation."