Crunch time for crisps jobs

28-Jul-2013 - Last updated on 29-Jul-2013 at 07:51 GMT

The Scottish government is consulting with employees at the crisps factory to mitigate job losses

Crisps manufacturer Highlander has closed down with the loss of 28 jobs at Bathgate in Scotland.

San Carlo Gruppo Alimentaire, the Italian owner of the company, which is based in Milan, made the move in order to centralise production in Italy.

West Lothian Council, which oversees the Bathgate area, said it would be working with the Scottish government to support workers and their families hit by the decision.

‘Sympathy and support’

“We would like to offer our sympathy and support to the 28 staff and their families affected by the closure,” said Cathy Muldoon, executive councillor for development and transport.

“West Lothian Council is working to support local workers and their families through PACE (Partnership for Continuing Employment) teams, which are working with Highlander staff to help them look at their opportunities for employment or retraining.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish government told FoodManufacture.co.uk that Scottish Development International (SDI) had also been in touch with Highlander. SDI promotes international trade and encourages international companies to invest in Scotland.

San Carlo was founded in 1936. Its products include crisps, pretzels, crackers, dried breads and baked goods such as croissants.