STV NewsA fresh proposal is to be tabled by an action group formed to help seek a viable future for the McVitie’s Factory in Glasgow.
The proposal to build a new factory on a nearby site will now be considered by Pladis, the company that owns the brand.
Staff were told in May of plans to close the site in Tollcross, putting 468 jobs at risk.
Finance secretary Kate Forbes said she hopes that senior management will study the proposals put forward by the Pladis Action Group.
“The Action Group have together worked at pace to identify and explore options to secure the future of these crucial manufacturing jobs in Glasgow,” she said.
“I would hope and expect the senior management at Pladis to now study the proposals carefully, and to engage with the Action Group on them in a constructive and thorough manner.”
“We believe the proposal offers Pladis everything it needs to maintain manufacturing in the East End of Glasgow for the next generation.”
David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser
Councillor Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader, said: “The partners across the Action Group have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks to pull this counter-proposal together.
“This proposal is compelling and would secure a future for Pladis in the city. I trust they will give it the consideration it deserves.”
GMB Scotland organiser David Hume said the proposal represents months of hard work.
“We believe the proposal offers Pladis everything it needs to maintain manufacturing in the East End of Glasgow for the next generation, ensuring employment and opportunity for the local community that depends on it,” he said.
“It also represents months of hard work on behalf of the unions and action group representatives to support the workforce, who are fighting so hard for their futures.
“It sets out the way forward and everyone should be positive that Pladis will look favourably on it.”
STV NewsUnite Industrial Officer Pat McIlvogue said the proposal put forward to build a new factory will produce efficiency savings.
“The trade unions along with the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring forward a commercially viable alternative to the closure of the McVitie’s plant at Tollcross,” he said.
“We believe that the proposal put forward to build a new factory on a nearby site will produce efficiency savings and make this one of the most advanced biscuit manufacturing sites in the UK.
“Unite is asking that Pladis the owners of the factory study and positively engage with us on this proposal because we believe that everyone can win from this most importantly the hundreds of jobs at stake in the local community.”
Pladis has indicated that it remains “open” to considering alternative proposals.
A spokeswoman for the company said: “Our priority is the continued engagement with the employee representatives, and we remain open to considering any alternative proposals through the formal consultation process, which is ongoing.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
