Fife bus manufacturer enters administration after loss of Alexander Dennis contract

A Fife-based bus manufacturer has made 81 employees redundant after it entered administration.

Workers at Greenfold Systems Ltd in Dunfermline were previously put on notice of potential job losses as a knock-on effect of bus company Alexander Dennis planning to pull out of Scotland.

Around half the staff on site were working on parts for the Larbert-based company.

On Thursday, Callum Carmichael and Michelle Elliot of FRP Advisory, together with Shona Campbell of Henderson Loggie LLP, were appointed as administrators.

The company employed a total of 90 staff, with nine staying on a short-term basis to complete a customer contract.

Callum Carmichael, joint administrator of Greenfold Systems Ltd and partner at FRP, said: “Greenfold Systems was a well-regarded business that had carved out a specialist role in the commercial vehicle supply chain.

“Unfortunately, the loss of a major customer contract had an immediate and severe impact on its financial position. Our priority now is to support the affected employees and to maximise returns for creditors.”

Graeme Downie, Labour MP for Dunfermline and Dollar previously wrote to First Minister John Swinney about the threat of job losses at Greenfold.

GSL Around half the staff on site were working on parts for Alexander Dennis. STV News

He believes the “lack of action” shown by the SNP leader is “unacceptable”.

The MP said: “First and foremost, this news is devastating for the workforce and their families, and my office is here to help in any way we can to get people the support they need to find work.

“This news today is not the fault of the management or the staff at Greenfold Systems who have worked tirelessly to maintain a viable business.”

“I warned the First Minister of exactly this impact on the supply chain as a result of the failure of the SNP to support bus manufacturing in Scotland.

“It is unacceptable that the First Minister has taken no action and hasn’t even had the courtesy to reply to my letter, instead seeming content to let the workers at Greenfold suffer the consequences of his government’s action, or lack of action. “

Business and Employment Minister, Richard Lochhead, said he was left “disappointed” by the news.

He said: “I am very disappointed to learn that Greenfold Systems Ltd has entered into administration. This will clearly be a very difficult time for workforce and their families.

“The people affected by this announcement are our immediate priority and the Scottish Government will do everything in its power to help those affected through our initiative for responding to potential redundancy situations.

“We continue to explore all viable options to support Alexander Dennis Ltd, its workforce and the wider businesses and communities they support. We are doing this at pace and in close collaboration with the company, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the UK Government.”