CoorsTek announce Glenrothes closure

Technical ceramics manufacturer CoorsTek has announced plans to close its Glenrothes plant in 2021 after nearly 40 years in the town, with the loss of around 75 jobs.
Coorstek’s executive vice-president Andreas Schneider (left) and chief executive officer Timothy Coors on a visit to the Glenrothes plant in 2016Coorstek’s executive vice-president Andreas Schneider (left) and chief executive officer Timothy Coors on a visit to the Glenrothes plant in 2016
Coorstek’s executive vice-president Andreas Schneider (left) and chief executive officer Timothy Coors on a visit to the Glenrothes plant in 2016

The firm claims the decision is being driven by a number of factors including; global softening in key markets due to Covid-19; the potential impact of Brexit; and a focus on optimising the existing facility footprint.

Andreas Schneider, executive vice-President for Europe, said: “We are disappointed to announce the proposed closure of our oldest facility in Europe.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Glenrothes facility has been providing our customers with high-performance technical ceramics for nearly 40 years and the facility has played an important role in the CoorsTek expansion in Europe.”

The technical ceramics manufactured at the Southfield Industrial Estate facility are used in a variety of applications that support the automotive, electronics, medical, and semi-conductor industries.

The automotive applications account for nearly 50 per cent of the goods manufactured at the facility.

These applications include thin and thick film substrates used in automotive LED lighting, engine circuitry, and ceramic components for temperature, proximity, and pressure sensing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Glenrothes team also plays a valuable role in the Fife community and is an active participant in many local business initiatives including Investors In Young People, Career Ready Mentoring, Developing Young Workforce and the Fife Council Job Contract scheme

In addition plant manager Mark Cameron serves as chairman of Business Gateway Fife.

He said: “I’m extremely proud of what the Glenrothes facility has achieved since we started to operate as part

of CoorsTek in 1981.

“I’m especially proud of the role our team played in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic by providing our customers with essential parts used in respirators and in disposable thermometers.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The proposed closure will impact around 75 workers, with the company now embarking on a consultation process.

The approximative timing of the proposed closure will be during the first half of 2021.

A spokesperson said: “CoorsTek is committed to supporting employees during this time and is working closely with impacted employees to support any moves or transitions to other facilities where there are openings and to provide resources for any employees that will be leaving the company.”

The products manufactured in Glenrothes will transition to other CoorsTek facilities in Europe and the United States.