Construction giant axes Prestwick jobs

Mar 2 2012 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

CONSTRUCTION giant Dawn is to close its Prestwick base, with the loss of 60 jobs.

The company’s founder and chairman, Alan Macdonald, admitted the move was like “losing part of his family”.

But he insists the ongoing recession has forced his hand to act before its too late.

Dawn will close the general construction arm of its business, which is run from Prestwick, and will now focus on housebuilding and development.

Mr Macdonald insists all areas of the business are operating successfully – but he is taking early action to fight the economic slide.

He said: “This is a sad day for me personally and indeed the group as a whole, but it is the right decision to make.

“The construction industry is coming under major pressure from the recession and things are only going to get worse over the coming five years.

“For that reason, we had to take this decision now to protect the overall company.”

Dawn employs 65 people at its Eldo House base in Prestwick, and the majority of jobs will go.

The company is now expected to shift its entire operation to Glasgow – a process which could take in excess of 12 months.

Mr Macdonald added: “We are leaving the construction industry with our heads held high.

“All of our sub-contractors and ongoing projects will be honoured and this is simply a decision to protect the ongoing health of the overall group.

“Since establishing the Dawn Group in 1976, Prestwick has played an integral part in our operations and closing Prestwick will be like losing a part of my family.

“I feel personally for the people who work with us there, but unfortunately this was the sensible business decision to make.

“We have to be responsible and look after the housing and development sector of the business and ensure that they continue to flourish as best they can over the coming years.”