Government taskforce set up after Chivas pulls out of Paisley
The First Minister has committed to establishing a multi-agency taskforce as the drinks company plans to re-locate staff from Paisley to Dumbarton by 2019
Renfrewshire Council says a multi-agency Scottish Government taskforce is being set up following the recent announcement by drinks manufacturer Chivas that it is to relocate its business to West Dunbartonshire.
The commitment followed a meeting on Monday between Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The First Minister was visiting Project Search, a Renfewshire Council Initiative to help young people with autism and learning disabilities into employment.
Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: "I was pleased to be able to personally discuss the issues regarding Chivas plans direct with the First Minister on her visit to Paisley today.
“The company has had a long standing presence in Paisley and while it is hoped all employees will be offered roles in the relocation, we want to be prepared to support where we can to minimise the impact this move will undoubtedly have.
“I welcome the First Minister's commitment to establishing a taskforce which will bring together all parties to work with the Council to ensure we can get the best deal for the people of Paisley."
Chivas announced earlier this month it was leaving its Paisley site and re-locating 450 staff to their Kilmalid site in Dumbarton.
Laurent Lacassagne, chairman and CEO at Chivas Brothers, said: “These proposed changes to our operations and our £40 million investment are a clear sign of our commitment to Scotland and of our belief that the industry has a strong future.
“Over the next three years, everyone based on the Paisley site will start to move over to the Kilmalid site.
“We know this is a big change, which is why we are announcing our proposal three years in advance. We want to provide ample opportunity to manage the transition of our business effectively and for our employees to adjust and adapt to working from a new site.
“We’ve been in Paisley for many years and we’re absolutely committed to working with the people of Paisley and their MSP and council representatives to make sure there is a favourable future for the Paisley site.”