Amcor to close fire-hit plant in Scotland
The company said it was not economically viable to re-open the site in Livingston which was gutted by a blaze in September. Production at the factory, which makes flexible packaging for the snack and confectionery sectors, had been halted since the fire three months ago.
On 17 September, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service (LBFRS) were called to the scene on with around 70 firefighters and 12 fire appliances containing the blaze at the factory in West Lothian.
A spokesperson for LBFRS said at the time: “The property, a single storey, steel framed, modern building, contains a large amount of chemicals including printing inks, solvents and acetylene cylinders which can be highly volatile when involved in a fire.”
Everyone was evacuated, and local residents were instructed to stay in their homes due to the toxic fumes. One person was taken to hospital having sustained minor burns to their arm.
Not viable
The company said this week that it would not be re-starting production at the site.
“Following thorough investigations and reviewing all available options Amcor concluded that it is not viable to reinstate the plant,” said Gérard Blatrix, vice president snacks & confectionery, Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas. “It is with regret that we announce our intention to close AF Livingston.”
The firm said that all its plants have continuity plans in emergencies to ensure that customer supply remains uninterrupted. Supply to customers from the Scottish site had been secured by sourcing from other Amcor facilities, it added.
“We will make arrangements to permanently transfer customer volumes to other Amcor sites, with the agreement of those customers and where it makes sense to do so,” said Blatrix.
The company said it would be consulting with the 77 employees and their representatives and would consider them for other positions within the company.
