Staff at Scottish bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis where 400 jobs are at risk have been left feeling “numb”.
The global independent bus manufacturer, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., confirmed that a consultation process had begun on Wednesday.
The firm, which has eight sites across the UK including Falkirk and Larbert, announced that up to 400 jobs Scottish jobs could be axed.
Alexander Dennis says it is consolidating its UK bus body manufacturing operations into a single site in Scarborough, England.
The site in Falkirk is to be shut down, and production lines at Larbert will be suspended upon the completion of current contracts.
Alexander Dennis said the move will “lower overall costs, deliver clearer responsibilities and increase efficiency”.
First Minister John Swinney has vowed to “explore every option” to save jobs at the firm.
However, workers told STV News on Thursday that the cuts have left them feeling numb and devastated.
Hamish Anderson, who has worked for the firm for more than three decades, said: “I’ve come up through the ranks. I started as a coach builder, a trainee.
“We weren’t expecting anything of this magnitude. We were brought in and given the devastating news.
“We’re in limbo just now, but are still actively pursuing trying to save the plant and the jobs.”
He added: “Members are feeling unsure, numb and disappointed.”
Robert Deavy, GMB Scotland senior organiser in engineering and manufacturing, said: “This is a hammer blow for communities already reeling from the closure of Grangemouth.
“Like then, we are already hearing the same warm words from ministers about how they have tried but failed to secure workers’ jobs.
“If they have tried, they must try again and try harder.
“If the company is reviewing future operations, it must do so with an open mind and a determination to save jobs not shed them.
“We will do everything in our power to secure the future of Alexander Dennis in Falkirk and so must the company and so must ministers.”
Sharon Graham Unite general secretary added: “The announcement by Alexander Dennis to close its operations at Falkirk and Larbert is devastating.
“It is the latest huge economic blow to hit local communities on the back of the Grangemouth oil refinery closing.
“Hundreds of highly-skilled jobs are being lost and government ministers are guilty of sitting idly by while people and communities are being ripped apart. They will not be forgiven for their inaction and silence.”
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis president and managing director, said: “We are proposing a new UK manufacturing strategy to underpin financial sustainability and lower operating costs in the face of changing and challenging market dynamics.
“Together with our parent NFI Group, we are extremely proud of our UK history and legacy dating back to 1895 and firmly believe in our people, products and business.
“We must take significant action to drive efficiency to allow our operating model to be competitive.
“It is extremely regrettable that as part of this, we must place jobs at potential risk of redundancy and propose to cease manufacturing operations at some of our facilities.”
Mr Davies added: “While stakeholders have been sympathetic of the situation, the stark reality is that current UK policy does not allow for the incentivisation or reward of local content, job retention and creation, nor does it encourage any domestic economic benefit.
“We have warned of the competitive imbalance for some time and would like to see policy and legislative changes that incentivise the delivery of local benefit where taxpayer money is invested.
“We strongly believe funding that supports public transport should lead to investment in local jobs, domestic supply chains, technology creation and a recurrent tax base.
“It is our hope that the forthcoming industrial strategy will provide reassurance that there is value in manufacturing within the borders of the UK and we remain hopeful of policy and legislative changes that increase the UK’s focus on support for domestic manufacturing.
“Our new strategy would allow us to respond appropriately to increase local production if structural changes are made.”
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