More than 70 jobs at risk as Co-op Funeralcare to shut coffin factory in Shieldhall

More than 70 jobs are at risk after Co-op Funeralcare announced it plans to close its only coffin manufacturing factory in Glasgow.

The site at Bogmoor Place in Shieldhall is set to close, with operations set to be transferred some 200 miles away to a new site in Merseyside.

Under the plans, the Glasgow factory would close by November.

Co-op said the proposed move would see operations become more “centrally positioned to operate more effectively as a business”.

Unite the Union has branded the move “disgraceful” as around 74 members of staff are now at risk of redundancy.

It is understood that the proposed factory in Merseyside would employ around 65 people.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It’s disgraceful that the Co-op has chosen to close its factory when other viable options remain on the table including a new built factory in Glasgow.”

Unite regional coordinating officer, Alison MacLean said: “Co-op Funeralcare is a growing and profitable side of the business. The Co-op is investing significant money on a new site therefore why is it not doing this in Glasgow?”

“This is a significant employer in an area with high levels of social deprivation. The Co-op can’t dodge its responsibility to these workers. Unite will leave no stone unturned in order to get the Co-op to reconsider this needless decision.”

A spokesperson from Co-op Funeralcare said: “After a strategic review, we are proposing to close our current coffin factory in Glasgow, and open a new factory in North West England.

“This would allow us to introduce the most up-to-date manufacturing equipment and help support the growth and innovation of our Funeralcare business, whilst ensuring we are able to continue to provide the highest standards of care and service for bereaved families and their loved ones.

“This proposal also means we will be more centrally positioned to operate more efficiently as a business which serves across England, Scotland and Wales.

“We fully recognise the contribution of our colleagues at our coffin factory and understand the concern and uncertainty that this proposal will cause, and we will provide full support to those colleagues impacted. However, we have needed to balance this proposal against the current and future needs of our members and clients, and we believe this proposed change will help deliver a more sustainable Co-op Funeralcare.”