365 jobs under threat at Texas Instruments in Greenock

HUNDREDS of jobs are under threat after an American electronics firm announced the closure of its Greenock factory.

Employees at Texas Instruments (TI) met with bosses on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the company’s plans to relocate its operations to Germany, Japan and Maine in the US.

The plant in Greenock employees 365 workers, one of the largest employers in the Inverclyde area.

The American company have drafted in a specialist firm to help resell the plant.

TI’s Scotland site manager Gerry McCarthy said: “This is certainly not a reflection of the performance or commitment of our people but due to the efficiency of the site itself.

“We recognise this is difficult news, and our focus right now is on our employees and to ensure they have all of the information they need as we move forward.”

Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe, said: “This is a stunning blow to the Scottish economy.

“In Inverclyde our business sector is resilient and our skills base strong, which is the reason companies like Texas Instruments, have made this their home for over 40 years.

This announcement requires a significant response from local and national agencies. I am announcing the setting up of a dedicated task force and will be extending an invitation today to the Scottish Government, their national agencies, local councillors in the area, our regional and constituency MSPs and our MP.”

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