FMC axes 145 in move to Norway
POLITICIANS have reacted with dismay at the announcement that 145 workers are to lose their jobs when part of Girvan's FMC operation moves to Norway later this year.
The blow fell just six months after the takeover of the ISP alginates business.
At the time FMC BioPolymer launched a review of its global alginate business, including Carrick.
Now the Norwegian-based firm says it has to compete against ever- increasing international competition and remain a global supplier in the extraction and blending of alginate products for use in the pharmaceutical, food and industrial sectors.
According to a spokesman: "In recognising the talent and skills in Girvan, FMC will invest significantly to create a world-class centre of production excellence in alginate blending. Girvan will become the company's global finished product blending centre, employing between 60 – 70 people."
He added: "Plans will be finalised following a consultation period with employees and unions. This will result in the loss of around 145 jobs. Full employment will continue at Girvan until December 2009.
"In recognising the impact these proposals will have on our employees, the company will now enter into a 90-day consultation period with employees and union representatives to agree enhanced redundancy benefits, new skills training programmes and assistance to those employees affected by the restructuring in their search for new employment."
MP Sandra Osborne said: "I am devastated that we are set to lose a significant number of jobs from one of Girvan's major employers. I have received hundreds more signatures on petitions, and pupils from every primary school in the area have sent letters and posters showing what they think."
And her party colleague, Labour MSP Cathy Jamieson, said: "While it is encouraging that 60-70 jobs will be retained, it is very little comfort to those who will lose their positions."
Tory MSP John Scott said: "my sincere hope is that, through the assistance being offered by the company and unions, those workers affected will have the best support possible in securing new jobs."
Councillor John McDowall added: "It also gives added urgency to the council's strategy for the regeneration of Girvan following the closure of the swimming pool.
"There is a very real danger of a continued downward economic spiral."
However, there was a more positive development with the news that 16 jobs are being created by cut-price retailer The Original Factory Shop at the old Somerfield premises on February 24.
The 18,000 sq ft department store in Dalrymple Street will offer an extensive range of men's, ladies and children's fashion wares, as well as homewares, electricals and toiletries, including a large selection of branded goods.
Property and acquisitions manager Mike Harrison said: "The Girvan store has already had a fantastic response from the local community and we're delighted to be opening in the town."
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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