NINETY-FIVE workers will lose their jobs when a plastics plant shuts.
Following a month-long consultation with employees, SABIC Innovative Plastics announced its Grangemouth plant will cease operating on July 31.
When the firm took over the Bo'ness Road plant from GE Plastics just over a year ago, it was a move work
ers believed would provide job security for the future.
However, the plant, which manufactures ABS, a common thermoplastic used in automotive body parts, reportedly lost a total of £33 million since the takeover.
Unite regional organiser Pat Rafferty said: "For the company to announce this closure such a short time later just beggars belief.
"Why have there been no attempts to look for another buyer for the plant? That would be a way to protect the jobs there.
"It's an absolutely despicable way to treat a workforce and a community. This plant has been in the town for 50 years and for the company to come in and announce a complete closure is a disgrace."
The firm claimed the decision to cease operations was based on an extensive business review.
A SABIC spokesman said: "An agreement has been reached with regard to the proposal to cease manufacturing operations at the Grangemouth facility.
"The company and employees reached an equitable social plan and the company will continue to offer various outplacement programmes and support services such as counselling to assist staff in new job-selection and training.
"Options for future use of the site are currently under review."
SABIC stated there will be limited impact to its existing customers since the company will continue to supply most ABS grades from alternative global production facilities.
East Falkirk MP Michael Connarty had been holding talks with management at the site and was initially hopeful it would remain open in some capacity.
He said: "The plant has not been making a profit for some time – losing around £20 million a year, but I'm not willing to accept this is the end of the line. These 95 workers are highly skilled and there has to be another way."
Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie said she was disappointed by news of the plant's impending closure.
"We are in a worldwide recession where global companies look at figures and decide to move elsewhere,'' she said.
''I fear there will be implications for the rest of the area as a
result of this move."
