Gooch and Housego to move manufacturing from Glenrothes to Somerset

A precision optics firm is moving its operations out of Glenrothes to Somerset, in a move to reduce costs.

Gooch and Housego says it can't continue to operate its Fife site, meaning operations will now be focused at its base in Ilminster.

The firm says the move is being proposed to deliver sustainable growth in the long term.

Consultations have started with employees at the Glenrothes site over the plans.

G&H acquired Spanoptic Ltd in 2013, with the latter founded in 1976.

According to G&H's website, 60 people are employed in the Glenrothes facility.

The company was founded in 1948.

A spokesperson for G&H said: "After a great deal of analysis and deliberation the G&H Board have decided the best way to achieve cost leadership is to transfer all manufacturing from Glenrothes to Ilminster by the end of calendar year 2020.

"By transferring manufacturing from Glenrothes to Ilminster, G&H will create a UK Precision Optics Hub to service the requirements of its customer base.

"In doing so, we will provide a more streamlined and integrated solution, with an enhanced value proposition for our customers.

"The Glenrothes facility and its employees are held in the highest regard by the Board and executive management team and the decision to move the business to ILM was driven solely by the economics."

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