Meat processing plant set to close

Oct 15 2012

A meat processing plant employing 1,700 people is to close after its owners rejected two last-minute bids to save the factory.

Dutch food group Vion, which owns Hall's of Broxburn in West Lothian, said neither of the offers "constitutes a viable and sustainable alternative" to its proposed closure.

The factory, which produces the world's biggest-selling haggis, is currently making losses of £79,000 a day.

Vion UK chairman Peter Barr said: "Regrettably, having reviewed both offers over the weekend we have been forced to conclude that neither of these proposals constitutes a viable and sustainable alternative to the proposed closure of the plant.

"In neither instance were we assured that either offer provided a guarantee of ongoing employment for the workforce, in spite of the fact that Vion was prepared to offer substantial financial assistance to support the acquisition.

"This is a very sad day for the company but, unfortunately, the plant continues to suffer unsustainable losses of £79,000 a day.

"Consequently, it is with great regret that we can confirm that it is our intention to proceed with plans for a phased closure of the plant."

Some areas of the plant will cease production later this month, with full closure expected to take place by February next year.

Discussions have already been held with employees and union representatives on redundancy terms, the company said.