Plan To Save Young's Fraserburgh Factory

The company could reduce its workforce in Fraserburgh by half to keep the factory open.

Published 23rd Jul 2015

Plans have been announced to keep Young's Seafood Fraserburgh factory open, potentially saving hundreds of jobs.

The company may reduce its workforce to continue operating in the north-east.

More than 900 staff are employed at its facility in the town.

Proposals could see the number of permanent employees halved.

The firm also set out moves to sell its site in Grantown on Spey.

The news came to light at a Joint Stakeholder Meeting in Peterhead today, chaired by Business Minister Fergus Ewing.

Mr Ewing said: “The Scottish Government has made every effort to safeguard jobs at Young’s two sites in Fraserburgh and Grantown on Spey.

“I am pleased that Young’s is now exploring a revised option which would see their Fraserburgh factory remain open, albeit downsized to around 250 permanent staff - around half the current number - with no redundancies before 2016.

“Of course many people will still face redundancy and we will continue to provide every possible support to those workers who need our help.

"Scottish Enterprise is working with Young’s to identify possible resource and energy efficiency savings to reduce operating costs and explore further marketing opportunities.

Peter Ward, CEO of Young’s Seafood said: “The company is committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders in a transparent way to explore all and every option to retain as many jobs as is feasible.

"I would like to thank all of the stakeholders present for their commitment and also recognise the on-going commitment of the workforce in these difficult circumstances."