80 jobs go as bosses close fire-hit plant

Published on Wednesday 5 January 2011 14:44

THE owners of a packaging plant destroyed by a massive blaze have announced it will close, with the loss of almost 80 jobs.

Amcor Flexibles' site in Brucefield Industrial Park, near West Calder, caught fire in September, gutting the factory and leaving the future of the plant in doubt.

Bosses have now decided to close it, saying it is not "viable" for it to re-open.

"Following thorough investigations and reviewing all available options, Amcor concluded that it is not viable to reinstate the plant," said Grard Blatrix, vice-president of snacks and confectionery, Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas. "It is with regret that we announce our intention to close AF Livingston."

West Lothian's councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, said he was "extremely disappointed" at the decision, while one employee said he was now looking at the bleak prospect of life on the dole.

The worker, who asked not to be named, said: "To be honest, we all expected this would happen and most of the workers were looking for other jobs after the fire anyway.

"To be told just before Christmas was disappointing. I still haven't found a job and I'm not looking forward to that, because the way things are just now there aren't many decent jobs going."

The company said a consultation process with employees was under way and it was "grateful" no-one was seriously hurt in the fire. The blaze is thought to have broken out in one of the company's printers but was not suspicious.

Mr Blatrix added: "We recognise the impact that this decision and the subsequent loss of 77 jobs will have on our co-workers and their families, and will be consulting with them and employee-elected representatives to ensure they understand the rationale behind the proposal.

"We will move forward with care and respect for all our co-workers and do what we can to mitigate the impact, including consideration for alternative positions within Amcor. We will make arrangements to permanently transfer customer volumes to other Amcor sites."

Cllr Day said: "We are extremely disappointed to hear that Amcor Flexibles has decided to close its plant in Livingston.

"This is a blow to the employees of Amcor and I'm sure the announcement just before Christmas would have made the news even more difficult. We hope that Amcor will be able to redeploy some of the staff.

"The Enterprise Centre in Livingston and our access2 employment team will be available to offer support to the workforce to help them find alternative employment."