Oki announces Cumbernauld departure
September 28, 2018
Oki’s factory in Cumbernauld, Scotland.
The OEM has revealed that it is to cease operations in the Scottish town, after more than three decades.
According to Cumbernauld News, the Japanese company first opened premises in Wardpark in September 1987, before moving to a new factory in Westfield four and a half years ago.
The decision to pull out of Scotland comes as Oki looks set to move its entire manufacturing operation to Asia, with the resultant loss of 131 jobs locally. Production is expected to cease by the end of this year, with the site being closed for the final time in March 2019.
“Oki Data Corporation has taken the decision to consolidate the manufacturing of toner and ribbons globally to our factories in Asia,” confirmed a company spokesperson. “Sadly, this will result in the closure of the Oki Cumbernauld manufacturing facility. We expect production at the site to conclude in December 2018 and the planned site closure to be completed by the end of March 2019. This difficult decision was taken due to a declining market resulting in surplus manufacturing resource. We are aware this will be a significant blow to our staff and to the local community in Cumbernauld and as we enter a period of consultation, our priority is to support affected employees whilst we go through this difficult process and no further details can be provided at this time.”
Responding to the announcement, Member of the Scottish Parliament Jamie Hepburn declared it was “sad news for Cumbernauld,” explaining that “they have been associated with the town for a long time and that this association is coming to an end is very disappointing.”
“They have of course been reducing their presence over a significant period of time, and the important thing now is that the company does everything it can to support the remaining workforce through the process of closure,” Hepburn continued. “The Scottish Government’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment will do everything it can to help.”
Stuart McDonald MP added: “This is clearly very distressing news for the workers at the site, many of whom stay locally. I am aware that the Scottish Government’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE), is now involved to support the workforce and ensure that they are able find new opportunities as quickly as possible. I am of course happy to assist any of my constituents who are directly affected in whatever way I can.”
Categories : Around the Industry
