Latest news with #Falkirk-based
STV News
4 days ago
- Business
- STV News
More than 80 jobs axed as bus firm collapses amid Alexander Dennis uncertainty
More than 80 jobs have been lost at a Fife-based manufacturing company after the announcement that bus firm Alexander Dennis could move its operations south of the border. Greenfold Systems, based in Dunfermline, built parts for buses, with the Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis being a 'major customer' for the firm. But on Thursday, administrators were called in, with 81 of the 90 jobs at the company axed, with the remaining staff kept on temporarily. Alexander Dennis announced last month the launch of a consultation, which could eventually see 400 jobs lost in the area if the company's operations were consolidated into a single site in Yorkshire. The consultation has since been extended by two weeks and will close on August 15, with the company assuring MSPs the decision was not a 'done deal'. But it has already had a knock-on impact on the supply chain with the collapse of Greenfold. Callum Carmichael, a joint administrator for the firm and a partner at FRP Advisory, 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.' Scottish business minister Richard Lochhead 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.' Alexander Dennis has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
More than 80 jobs axed as bus firm collapses amid Alexander Dennis uncertainty
Administrators called in after bus firm moves operations to England Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... More than 80 jobs have been lost a Fife-based manufacturing company after the announcement bus firm Alexander Dennis could move its operations south of the Border. Greenfold Systems, based in Dunfermline, built parts for buses, with the Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis being a 'major customer' for the firm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But on Thursday, administrators were called in, with 81 of the 90 jobs at the company axed, with the remaining staff kept on temporarily. General view of the Alexander Dennis site at Camelon, near Falkirk | PA Alexander Dennis announced last month the launch of a consultation which could eventually see 400 jobs lost in the area if the company's operations were consolidated into a single site in Yorkshire. The consultation has since been extended by two weeks and will close on August 15, with the company assuring MSPs the decision was not a 'done deal'. READ MORE: Summer strikes to hit Glasgow Airport as around 100 workers to take industrial action Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But it has already had a knock-on impact on the supply chain with the collapse of Greenfold. Callum Carmichael, a joint administrator for the firm and a partner at FRP Advisory, said: 'Greenfold Systems was a well-regarded business that had carved out a specialist role in the commercial vehicle supply chain. 'Immediate and severe' impact of losing major customer '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.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish business minister Richard Lochhead 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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.'
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Lifeline for Alexander Dennis workers as SNP Government considers furlough scheme
More than 400 staff could lose their jobs if the bus manufacturer proceeds with a plan to close factories in Scotland and switch production to England. Hundreds of workers who face redundancy from an historic bus manufacturer could be put on furlough under a plan being discussed by the SNP Government. Alexander Dennis (ADL) sparked anger last month when the Falkirk-based firm announced plans to close its two factories at Camelon and Larbert and centralise production in England. The company has now extended its 45-day consultation scheme with 400 workers who stand to lose their jobs if the shut-downs are rubber-stamped. Shona Robison, the Finance Secretary, said today Government officials have raised the prospect of a furlough scheme with ADL which could avoid the need for compulsory redundancies. The bus manufacturer, which has been based in Falkirk for more than a century, has blamed a shortage of orders for the environmentally-friendly double-decker vehicles it specialises in. ADL recently completed more 160 buses for Greater Manchester's new Bee public transport network - and Labour has questioned why a similar order has not been made by a Scottish local authority. In a letter to Holyrood's economy committee, Robison said: "The company has been clear there are a number of factors that impact on its decision about the future of its workforce in Scotland - the availability of orders both in the short and long term, changes to the regulatory landscape around procurement, and assistance in supporting a short-term company furlough scheme. "The Scottish Government is continuing to work tirelessly on this issue, and is maintaining close contact with the company, the unions and the UK Government to understand all options to support the workforce. "In relation to orders, the key issue is to establish greater confidence in demand for the double deck vehicles which ADL manufacture in Larbert. "Given the relative size of the Scottish bus market, the English market for double deck vehicles is clearly critical. There are around 3,500 public sector vehicle buses operating in Scotland, with a split between double deck and single deck. Meanwhile there are around 30,000 such vehicles in the English market." The SNP minister added: "Officials have met with ADL to discuss a potential company furlough scheme which, if progressed, would be the business's offer to its employees to prevent compulsory redundancies among the manufacturing workforce, and would be administered by the business. "We are in discussions with ADL on the potential for the Government to support the company's scheme for a defined period." Kenny MacAskill, Alba Party leader, said: "A furlough is fine and welcome. But ensuring orders is the solution and essential." Unions have previously called for a two-week extension to the consultation period to coincide with the annual Falkirk Fair, when businesses traditionally close for summer. MSPs were previously told buses built in China are around £100,000 cheaper than buses built at the Scottish factories facing closure.
Scotsman
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Tartan team aim for gold in Home Nations
Ian Campbell has high hopes as he travels to the Home Nations Shore Angling Championship in Northern Ireland. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's the Falkirk-based fisherman's second cap after winning silver 12 months ago, Scotland cruelly denied on fish countback over two days at Riverside Drive in Dundee. This time, fishing is over three days at two venues, an estuary on two of the days and a beach for one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland's squad also includes debutant, Arbroath-based Stewart Falconer, a regular attender in the Edinburgh Winter and New Year sea fishing matches in and around the Capital. Ian Campbell in the men's team for Ireland He has been a fishing buddy of Campbell for around 30 years and Scotland are fielding a strong team as they bid for gold in Coleraine. Campbell, who is retail manager for Edinburgh Angling Centre in Granton, also casts a line alongside David Neil, a well-known bait supplier, and Brian Maxwell, both from Ayr, plus Bruce McLean from Stranraer. Delighted Campbell said: 'I'm always delighted to fish for my country. I didn't try to make the team until last year. I was selected and enjoyed it and have been selected again and it is always good to test yourself at the highest level. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We're competing against the best in Britain here and to win gold we will have to be at our best over the three days.' Buffy McAvoy The anglers fish the Foyle Estuary near Coleraine on the first and last day, fishing between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday and 11.30am and 3.30pm on the Thursday, and cast a line on Benone Beach on Day 2. Fishing there is from 6pm to 10pm. The squad are doing their homework on the venues and Campbell said: 'Two of the boys have fished Benone before. It is a shallow beach and the Foyle Estuary is a big basin, not like the Forth or the Tay, and so we don't expect the tide to run hard. 'We also don't expect to have to cast a long distance, but we will if we have to. We practice on Sunday and Monday and then we go into the match from Tuesday to Thursday.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Campbell expects to catch flounder, eels and turbot but he said there may be other species around. He added: 'We will discuss rigs etc once we cast a line in practice and all bait is supplied by the organisers.' Eryk Janik fishes for Scotland in the Home Nations The Tartan Team, he confirmed, were disappointed not to pocket gold last time on home soil, being pipped by Ireland, but they are focused and Campbell said: 'Stress? Yes, it is different fishing from your country as opposed to recreational fishing, but I never get stressed fishing and we have a really good bunch of experienced guys in the team who all get on and are determined to do well.' Scotland's youth team are also on duty with Edinburgh schoolboy, Eryk Janik, in the squad. Janik has made his mark against strong seniors competitors in local matches over the last year and the teenager, who fishes regularly at Newhaven, is considered a rising star in angling circles. There are no ladies from the Lothians in the women's team now that Buffy McAvoy has moved from Edinburgh to Fife but they are also anxious to make a real impression. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Craig Ogilvie (North Berwick) won Round Six in The Bass Rock Shore Angling League's summer series with seven fish for 161cm. Alan Brown (West Barns) was second with two fish for 45cm and Graham Meadows (St Boswells) third on 2 fish for 38m. James Ogilvie was fourth with a fish of 29cm his fist was the longest on the night. The next round will be at a date to be decided in July. Watch their Facebook page for details. Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Angling Centre host a scientific anglers weekend on July 5 and 6 at their Granton retail outlet and attendees can have free lessons and advice from experts. Steve Petersen and Andy Smith will be at the shop showcasing equipment, including rods. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A spokesman said: 'Whether you are a youngster eager to try fishing for the first time, or a total beginner or want to sharpen your technique, you can do so on the outlet's 70ft pond.' Coarse fishing now and names are coming in for the Scottish Canal Championship set for the Forth and Clyde Canal between Wyndford and Dullatur on Sunday, June 29 with fishing from 11.00 to 16.00. Members of the Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club (ELCAC) already have their names down and due to parking it is likely that once section will be at Wyndford Lock and the other at Dullatur. Gus Brindle, the organiser, said pegs are being cleared and raked and anglers keen to fish are urged to book in as soon as possible. Phone Brindle on 07812 241816 for further details but he confirmed that pike and eels caught will not count. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad ELCAC bosses confirmed that Round 5 of the summer league will be on Saturday, June 28 at Orchill near Auchterarder. Round Four was won by Dougie Campbell with 30lb 1oz with Shug Smith second on 23lb 3oz. Gordon McKay was third on 16lb 10oz and Simon Clynshaw fourth only one ounce behind. In the Knockout Cup competition, Gordon McKay beat Andy Roberts, Erik Newman beat John Perella and Darrin Ferguson beat Henry Watt. All move into round three. Five ties remain to be fished, Heather Lauriston v Simon Clynshaw from East Lothian, Andy Paterson v Mark Gleave, Graham Wallace v Stewart Ritchie, Geoff Lowe (Edinburgh) v Shug Smith and Bruce Lawrie v Sandy McKay.
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Alexander Dennis closure risks leaving communities 'hollowed out' as union calls for public ownership
EXCLUSIVE: The GMB warned repeated job losses across Scotland's manufacturing sector risks leaving communities "hollowed out". A trade union has called for a Scots bus manufacturer to be nationalised if a rescue deal cannot be agreed to prevent 400 job losses. Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) announced last week plans to shutter its two factories in Camelon and Larbert and centralise its operations in Yorkshire. The move would bring an end to more than 100 years of bus building in the Falkirk district and comes just weeks after the closure of the oil refinery in nearby Grangemouth. The GMB trade union has today warned that repeated job losses across Scotland's manufacturing sector risks leaving communities "hollowed out". Louise Gilmour, the union's Scottish secretary, branded the threatened closure "absurd" given the demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles. John Swinney last week blamed strict procurement rules on state subsidy on why the Scottish Government was not able to place more orders with the Falkirk-based firm. ADL recently completed work on more than 160 new buses for the Greater Manchester combined authority, which brought bus services back under public control. But buses remain privatised across Scotland - meaning companies can choose to order cheaper imports from China instead of ordering from the UK. In a letter to Swinney and Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, Gilmour warned communities were being "hammered". She said: "It is absurd that a country with a bus network as extensive as Scotland's is not able to sustain its only bus manufacturer. "In the long term, procurement rules must be reviewed placing a clear and considerable preference on domestic manufacturing. An industrial strategy which mandates domestic manufacturing content is also needed. "Both governments have a role in delivering this. The public ownership of Scotland's bus networks to place this emphasis in procurement must now be fast tracked. "However, the short-term future of the sites must be secured urgently. Promises of leaving no stone unturned have been heard by our members before. "Our members do not need warm words. They need a strategy with a backbone. If required, the public ownership of the site must be an option." The union chief also said the GMB had written to ADL last month with an offer to work together to secure the Scottish sites, which was rejected by the firm. She added: "The planned closure of these sites are in addition to job losses at Tarmac in East Lothian and the closure of Aggregate Industries in North Lanarkshire as both companies seek to move operations to England. "It also follows the closure of Grangemouth. So not only is Scotland's manufacturing base being hollowed out, these losses are hammering communities in the Falkirk area. "Our members have seen contract after contract for buses go overseas. Our buses are built in China whilst our ferries are built in Poland. They have seen more orders from Manchester local authorities than they have from Scotland. "It is not party political to point this out – it is a fact and a reflection of the clear failures to heed warnings from trade unions. It has only been a few months since Scottish jobs were lost from Alexander Dennis. This should have been foreseen and prevented." The Record asked the Scottish and UK Governments for comment.
