This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Meeting over Boots Airdrie plant
07/02/2003
Enterprise Minister Iain Gray today met with senior
representatives of Boots to discuss the company's decision
to close their facility in Airdrie.
The Minister was joined at the meeting by the local MP
and Secretary of State for Scotland, Helen Liddell, local
MSP Karen Whitefield and representatives from Scottish
Enterprise Lanarkshire and the trades unions.
After the meeting Mr Gray said:
"I have made it very clear to the company that the
discussions that I have had with them this morning should
have taken place some time ago. Talking earlier would have
been helpful, but I am clear that we have to concentrate on
the here and now.
"The company has said that they cannot see any way in
which their decision to close can be changed. They will
work with my officials to look at alternative uses for the
Airdrie plant and are keen to look at ways of keeping
employment on the site - perhaps by looking for a buyer for
the facility.
"I have instructed my senior officials to meet with the
company today to take these discussions forward and
Scottish Enterprise will, obviously, offer any aid they can
in pursuing this possibility.
"In parallel with this, we need to do everything we can
to help the workforce. The company has indicated that it is
keen to work with local groups and to contribute to
regeneration projects that will bring jobs to the area.
"The all-agency approach pioneered by the Executive's
PACE framework will be part of this and will ensure that
everything is done to support those who will be affected by
the proposed closure.
"PACE has had significant success in the past at helping
people affected by redundancy. I see no reason why this
will not also be the case in Airdrie."