Fire-hit plant will not to re-open

Jan 13 2011 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

BOSSES at a packaging plant devastated by a fire have decided to close it, with the loss of almost 80 jobs.

Amcor Flexibles at Brucefield Industrial Park in Bellsquarry was destroyed by a blaze in September and its 77 employees have been unable to return to work since.

Owners announced last week that they have now decided to close it, saying it is not “viable” for it to re-open.

He said a consultation process was now underway and he hoped some employees could be found roles elsewhere.

Gérard Blatrix, vice-president of snacks and confectionery for Amcor Flexibles Europe and Americas, said: “Following thorough investigations and reviewing all available options, Amcor concluded that it is not viable to reinstate the plant.

“It is with regret that we announce our intention to close AF Livingston.

“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.”

West Lothian’s councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, said he was “extremely disappointed” at the decision and that the council would do their best to help employees.

He said: “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.”

The company added 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.