FRESH doubts have emerged over the future of GlaxoSmith- kline’s plant in Montrose following claims that work is drying up at the Angus plant.
After two and a half years of failed attempts to sell the factory, a voluntary redundancy programme has reduced the workforce to 260 compared to over 1,000 just two years ago.
While GSK has said that it is still hoping to attract a buyer, insiders fear that a lack of new work for the plant could spell its closure in the new year.
One source said: "There are no new orders signed up or new products in the pipeline. We strongly suspect GSK will pull the plug once the festive period is behind us, probably in the spring."
The 51-year-old Montrose plant manufactures active ingredients used in the treatment of skin conditions, respiratory problems and cancer.
It was put up for sale in summer 2001 following the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and Smith-kline Beecham. The merged company thought it had found a buyer last March after Dutch chemical group Akzo Nobel expressed an interest - but the deal fell through at the last minute and a shadow of doubt has been hanging over the plant ever since. Union leaders claim the plant has simply been "plodding along," picking up scraps of surplus work from other GSK plants across the UK.
GSK has set aside £1 million to sweeten the drawn-out sale of the Montrose plant. The firm has contributed £750,000 to support back-to-work initiatives for the staff who have so far lost their jobs. Another £250,000 has been earmarked to redeploy staff internally.
The Angus & Mearns Economic Development Fund is being administered by Scottish Business in the Community, which has been awarded £100,000 to set up an Angus Business Support Group.
GSK said it had made the donation to "mitigate the effects on the local economy of changes to its operation at Montrose". Former staff can apply for grants to help them explore new career paths and develop small business ideas.
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