More than 440 Mitsubishi staff facing redundancy
The Mitsubishi Electric factory in Livingston employs about 1,600 people
- Published
More than 440 people are at risk of redundancy at a Mitsubishi factory in West Lothian.
The Mitsubishi Electric factory in Livingston has been making heat pumps for 30 years and employs about 1,600 people.
The firm confirmed 443 jobs were at risk and blamed "widespread downturn in demand" for its products from the site.
Livingston MP Gregor Poynton said he was "deeply concerned".
He said it was "short-term economic pressures" that had seen its order book "fall away".
'Short-term economic pressures'
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Poynton said: "These are a highly skilled workforce creating world-leading products, air source heat pumps and air conditioning units, which are absolutely vital as we look to decarbonise our economy in the future.
"However, through no fault of their own, due to short-term economic pressures, they've seen their order book fall away."
He called on the Scotland Secretary Ian Murray to meet him, management and workers to see "whatever the UK government could do to support us."
Mr Murray committed to holding meetings "as a matter of priority".
"I am really sorry to hear the difficulties faced by Mitsubishi Electric's workforce and the uncertainty faced by those workers during this difficult time," Mr Murray said.
A Mitsubishi Electric spokeswoman said: "This decision was not entered into lightly. Our priority during the consultation period is to handle the process with the utmost respect and care for everyone involved.
"Despite seeing some growth in the UK market, the majority of our production at the site has been for mainland Europe, where there has been a widespread downturn in demand.
"This has led to the extremely difficult decision to begin the consultation process.
"We remain committed to our facility in Livingston and manufacturing heat pumps at this site. We do not anticipate any effect on deliveries or supply."