Sausage-skin maker Devro to cut 90 jobs with Bellshill factory closure

The sausage-skin maker Devro is to close one of its two Lanarkshire factories with the loss of 90 jobs.

The company has announced a proposal to shut its Bellshill operation.

Devro said it intends to increase manufacturing at its other North Lanarkshire site in Moodiesburn, which recently received a £2m investment.

It said the closure was in response to changing consumer trends and was "part of Devro's drive to achieve a fully integrated global business".

Chief executive Rutger Helbing said: "Scotland will remain strategically important to Devro's global operations.

"However, the collagen market is evolving and we must look at how we manage our business and stay competitive."

'Uncertain time'

He added: "Decisions like this are never easy. I know this will be an uncertain time for many colleagues, their families and the wider community.

"Our priority now is to ensure we have the right support in place for those who may be affected by these plans."

Unite pledged to support the affected staff.

The union's regional industrial officer, Wendy Dunsmore, said: "The announcement is devastating for the workforce.

"It's vital that everything is done through this consultation period to ensure there are no compulsory redundancies. The company has stated that it wants to increase the range of products at its nearby site in Moodiesburn.

"We are calling on the company to guarantee job security and a future for the Moodiesburn site.

"As part of this process, it will be vital to protect and safeguard all modern equipment in Scotland."