70 jobs set to be axed at Glenrothes firm

Bosses at FTV Proclad International, which produces cladding systems for use in offshore oil and gas exploration, would not confirm the total number of jobs likely to be lost - but the Gazette understands that 70 production staff from its Viewfield Industrial Estate manufacturing base are facing redundancy.

Tom McGegechie, general manager said the company could no longer sustain the significant financial losses incurred in recent months as an attempt to protect what he referred to as a “unique and highly skilled work base”.

“It’s no secret that the oil and gas industry in which we operate is experiencing an unprecedented downturn right now and that has had a knock on effect in terms of business,” explained Mr McGechie.

“It’s a declining market, and, unfortunately, that means jobs losses are now inevitable. We are doing all we possibly can to minimise the impact on the company going forward.

“We have now entered into a 30-day consultation with employees and the GMB union to see if alternatives such as possible job share, reduced working hours or a change in shift patterns could be agreed in order to reduce the possibility of job losses.”

Councillor Bill Brown, chairman of the town’s area committee, described the situation was “absolutely devastating”.

He added: “It comes soon after redundancies at Velux and Tullis Russell, which has had such an effect on the whole of the Glenrothes area.

“This shows that the current downturn in the oil and gas industry is not just having an effect on companies based in Aberdeen.

“The council will be working with the company, Scottish Government and other agencies to try to help workers in the company.

“In some ways, we are fortunate that we have the Fife Task Force in place, who will be ready to help workers find alternative training or employment.”