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Scottish plant faces closure with the loss of 130 jobs


The Cummins diesel engine factory in Cumbernauld is facing closure with the loss of 130 jobs, according to reports.

Reports suggest that a downturn inn demand has put the future of the American-owned plant in doubt. It has two premises in the Wardpark area of the Lanarkshire town, Cummins UK which repairs diesel engines and Cummins Recon which rebuilds them.

 

The global corporation, which has its headquarters in Columbus, Indiana, has factories all over the world making machinery for heavy industry and sectors including mining, agriculture, transport, marine and defence.

Trade union Unite has urged that the Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Council step in to provide aid to avert the closure. Cummins’ factory in Shotts, Lanarkshire, closed in 1996 with the loss of 700 jobs, most of which were transferred to the company’s factories in Daventry and Darlington.

Unite condemned the decision by Cummins to announce the closure of its manufacturing operations in Cumbernauld, with the work being expected to be transferred to England.

The company said that the closure decision was due to market conditions.

Cummins UK specialises in the distribution of Cummins engines and generators which are used in various industries including marine, retail, oil and gas, and telecommunications. 

Unite has called for urgent intervention by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and North Lanarkshire Council to work with Cummins UK and Unite in order to explore opportunities which can keep the factory open.

Unite believes these options should include financial support through regional selective assistance grants and measures to reduce costs which could help the financial position of the factory. 

Unite regional industrial officer Pat McIlvogue said:  “The announcement by Cummins to close its operations and to transfer the work to England is a bitter pill to swallow for the workforce. 

“Around 130 skilled manufacturing jobs could be lost unless the Scottish Government, North Lanarkshire Council and all interested parties urgently meet to explore every avenue to keep these jobs in Cumbernauld. Unite will do everything we can to ensure that this happens and we will provide every assistance to the workers during this period of uncertainty. ”  



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