A company decision to create 180 jobs in South Lanarkshire just months after cutting 200 jobs at its Perthshire plant will “devastate” the workforce there, according to a local politician.
Councillor Ian Miller said here had been no indication that the owners of the chicken processing plant in Coupar Angus, the 2 Sisters Food Group, intended to expand operations at their Cambuslang site.
The firm announced on Monday that it would be creating 180 posts at the site, near Glasgow, as part of a “multi-million-pound” expansion.
In November it announced that 200 workers were to be axed from the Coupar Angus site.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller, whose ward encompasses the George Street factory, said he was “disappointed” by the latest news.
He said: “It’s a fact that planning consent already exists at Coupar Angus for the company to expand and modernise the plant so it’s disappointing to hear that the company is to carry out this expansion elsewhere.
“Obviously they are a major employer in the Coupar Angus area and I am saddened that they are not taking that opportunity.
“The work force will be devastated. This news came as a complete surprise there’s been no indication from the company that this was their intention.”
Local MP Pete Wishart said that although 2 Sisters was investing in other parts of the country he hoped the company would remain behind the Coupar Angus workforce.
He said: “Where any increased investment is to be welcomed I very much hope that 2 Sisters will continue to demonstrate the same commitment to its Coupar Angus plant.
“The announcement of almost 200 job losses at Coupar Angus was a tough blow for the local community but Coupar Angus remains a first class facility with a dedicated workforce.
“I hope that in time 2 Sisters will also feel confident to grow the facility here.”
The Cambuslang facility cooks and processes chicken products while the Coupar Angus site kills and packs raw chicken, for which the company says demand is falling.
The investment in Cambuslang is to include an 11,000 sq ft extension to the plant. It will house two high-volume ovens, spiral chillers and freezers.
Olivier Goudineau, managing director of 2 Sisters Added Value poultry, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into realising this opportunity and it’s a great example of working together.”