Nearly 100 workers at a Fife firm that supplies parts to bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis have been told they are at risk of being made redundant. Dunfermline-based Greenfold Systems told 90 members of staff on Friday that their jobs could go as a knock-on effect of Alexander Dennisplanning to move its operations to England. Greenfold Systems constructs the sides, interdecks and roofs of buses for the Alexander Dennis factories in Falkirk and Larbert. Business and Employment Secretary Richard Lochhead said he was "very disappointed" to learn about the job threat and offered Scottish government assistance to the firm and its workers. Earlier this month, Alexander Dennis announced it wasplanning to move its full operation to a site in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The plan would see its sites in Falkirk and Larbert close with the loss of 400 jobs. The wider economic impact of any closure would be felt among the suppliers to the plants, such as Greenfold Systems. News of the redundancy threat wasfirst reported by The Courier. Greenfold's managing director Craig Waterson told the newspaper that Alexander Dennis was a "sizeable customer" and added it was a "difficult situation" for the company. He added: "What happens with Alexander Dennis remains to be seen. We would, of course, like a clearer answer but we're not going to get one any time soon. "A communication has been issued to staff, essentially telling them that their jobs are at risk as a result of the Alexander Dennis situation." The managing director of Alexander Dennis has said that orders for hundreds of new vehicles may not be enough to keep its Scottish sites open. Speaking to MSPs, Paul Davies said the company wouldneed to win orders for at least 70 new buses this year and 300 next yearto keep its Falkirk and Larbert operations going. But he said this alone may not be sufficient and he could not commit to keeping the sites open. Business and Employment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I am very disappointed to learn that Greenfold Systems Ltd has entered into consultation with a view to making redundancies at its Dunfermline site. "This will be a difficult time for the employees at risk of losing their jobs, their families and for the local area. Scottish Enterprise will engage with the company to better understand the reasons for this decision and whether it can offer any assistance. "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, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment." Greenfold Systems has been approached for comment.
Fears over 90 jobs at supplier to bus maker Alexander Dennis
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"Greenfold Systems Announces Job Risks Amid Alexander Dennis Relocation Plans"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Nearly 100 workers at Greenfold Systems, a Fife-based company that supplies parts to the bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, are facing potential redundancy as the firm announced that 90 jobs are at risk. This alarming development comes as a consequence of Alexander Dennis's plans to relocate its operations from Scotland to a new site in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The closure of the Falkirk and Larbert facilities is expected to result in around 400 job losses, which not only affects the direct employees of Alexander Dennis but also has a significant knock-on effect on its suppliers, including Greenfold Systems. The company's managing director, Craig Waterson, expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the future of their business, emphasizing that Alexander Dennis is a major client and that the current situation is challenging for their workforce. Staff members have been informed of the risk to their jobs, but clarity on the matter remains elusive, leaving many in a state of anxiety about what lies ahead.
Business and Employment Secretary Richard Lochhead has publicly expressed his disappointment regarding the news of potential job losses at Greenfold Systems. He emphasized the Scottish government's commitment to supporting affected employees and their families during this difficult period. Lochhead assured that Scottish Enterprise would engage with Greenfold Systems to understand the reasons behind this decision and explore possible assistance options. Meanwhile, Alexander Dennis's managing director, Paul Davies, indicated that securing new orders for vehicles would be crucial for maintaining operations at the Scottish sites. Specifically, he stated that the company would need to secure at least 70 new bus orders this year and 300 the following year to sustain its operations. However, he cautioned that even achieving these targets might not guarantee the long-term viability of the Falkirk and Larbert locations, adding to the uncertainty faced by both employees and the wider community reliant on these jobs.
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