Pharmaceutical firm proposes Newbie plant closure

The pharmaceuticals factory near Annan has had numerous owners over the decades

A pharmaceutical firm has announced plans to shut its plant at Newbie near Annan in southern Scotland.

Macfarlan Smith - a subsidiary of American company Veranova - said it followed a review of its manufacturing capacity.

The company said about about 65 jobs were affected by the move.

Veranova chief executive Niek Stapel said: "Every effort has been made to avoid proposing the closure of the plant."

He added: "This was a difficult decision to make which in no way reflects the performance or commitment of our colleagues at Annan."

The company said the proposed closure was subject to statutory consultation requirements under UK law.

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MacFarlan Smith took over the south of Scotland site in 2014 after it had been run by a range of companies.

It was originally commissioned by Glaxo in 1980.

Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell and constituency MSP Oliver Mundell have written a joint letter to South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to discuss what options are available to try to avoid or reduce the job losses.

"History shows that the pharmaceutical industry adjusts and contracts as has been shown at this factory over several decades," said Oliver Mundell.

"A great deal of private and public investment has been made on this site over a long period and it is important every effort is made to try to restore employment there for the longer term."

South of Scotland Enterprise said arrangements were being put in place to support any staff affected

David Mundell said: "We will be seeking clarity from the company about what has led to this decision and will, of course, contact any agencies that may be able to assist in any way."

SOSE chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross said it was aware of the "very concerning" news.

"This announcement will be extremely distressing to the staff employed at the Newbie site, their families and the local community," she said.

"We are keeping up to date with the situation, alongside the Scottish government, Skills Development Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council."

Arrangements are being put in place to support any workers affected.

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