Questions Over Velux Closure

Velux bosses are facing questions from politicians about the closure of a manufacturing plant in Glenrothes.

MSP Tricia Marwick, MP Lindsay Roy and council leader David Ross are meeting managers from the Danish firm later.

The closure of Fife Joinery Manufacturing next Autumn will cost 180 joinery jobs.

Ms Marwick says neither government nor the council were given any warning:

Announcing the decision on Thursday, Keith Riddle, UK Managing Director of VELUX Company Ltd said: “This has been a very difficult decision and not one we have taken easily.  Our primary concern at this time is to support affected colleagues and we will be working closely with employees, relevant agencies and the Scottish Government to offer guidance and support in addition to redeployment or relocated employment where possible.  A process of consultation with elected employee representatives is also being established.

“Our colleagues in Fife Joinery are highly-skilled and competent with knowledge of VELUX products that we value and look for in all employees.  So, although positions are of a limited number, it is my hope that some of those affected would be interested in a new position in the sales company, or would consider relocation to our southern distribution operation.
 
”The transformation is a difficult but essential step if we are to maintain our market leading position through our ability to supply continually improving, high quality products to our customers.  We have previously globalised our finance and IT operations, now we are creating a more globally-coherent manufacturing and distribution network that will be more competitive and cost efficient, without compromising on quality and supply reliability.”