Glasgow McVitie's factory closure confirmed

The closure of the historic McVitie's factory in Glasgow will go ahead next year after efforts to save jobs at the site failed.

Owners Pladis have rejected an alternative proposal put together by an action group of unions, the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and other interested parties, which would have seen a new factory build elsewhere.

Pladis blames “excess capacity” at other UK sites as the reason for the planned closure.

The Tollcross factory supports nearly 500 jobs, and has been in operation for almost 100 years.

Pladis UK director David Murray told the Daily Record: “We know this news will be difficult for our colleagues at Tollcross, so it is with regret that we announce our intention to proceed with the proposal to close the site.

“Our priority is to provide employees with the on-going support they need as we continue with the consultation.

“Pladis is home to some of Britain's best loved brands which have been part of the fabric of our society for nearly 200 years. In order to protect them for generations to come, we must take steps to address excess capacity in the UK.”

Labour MSP Paul Sweeney accused the owners of rejecting the proposal “out of hand” and failing “to engage constructively”.

He told Clyde News: “The announcement by Pladis today that they intend to continue with the closure of the factory at Tollcross after a hundred years of production is a body blow for the workforce.

“Having spoken to the trade unions this morning, I’m confident though that this fight is far from over.

“The blame for the lack of imagination, the lack of entrepreneurship, lies squarely with the management of Pladis who have betrayed their loyal workforce.

“But we now need to redouble our efforts with the Scottish Government, working cross party, to make a robust and comprehensive state aid offer that will finance the new factory.”

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