Make jobs rescue bid become reality
Skills centre will safeguard employment
THE rescue package for Dundee’s Michelin site unveiled yesterday is probably the best that can be made of a bad situation.
The joint agreement between the Scottish Government and the French firm contains exciting proposals to ensure the site retains a manufacturing base.
It also promises to create well-paid jobs based on future technologies.
Tellingly, the Unite union are supportive of the plan, which focuses on future and recycling technologies such as hydrogen battery production.
There are also further proposals to develop a training excellence centre and an eco-park at the site.
All of this is extremely welcome – but it’s important not to get carried away. The ending of tyre manufacturing in Dundee is still a disastrous blow for the city.
Hundreds of highly skilled workers at Michelin will lose their jobs.
It’s vital as many as possible are given the opportunity to stay in work through measures including retraining.
The Scottish Government should be commended for convincing Michelin to stay in Dundee and coming up with plans for alternative uses for the site.
The hard work starts now to make sure yesterday’s announcement turns out to be more than warm words and empty promises.
MICHELIN yesterday confirmed they will go ahead with plans to end tyre production in Scotland.
But bosses at the French firm have agreed to work with the Scottish Government to “repurpose” their Dundee factory, which employs 845 workers, after production ceases in mid-2020.
A joint partnership has been formed to develop a skills and training centre on the site in a bid to protect jobs.
Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said yesterday: “Michelin are going to work with us in a partnership – a new Michelin-Scotland alliance.
“Our shared aim is to secure a long-term future for the site and to generate significant employment there.
“We will now work together to transform the site into a key location for new economic and employment opportunities in manufacturing, remanufacturing, recycling and low-carbon transport, with Michelin sharing the Scottish Government’s ambitious climate change and low-carbon vehicle commitments.
“We will ensure that the workforce are fully supported to benefit from these new opportunities.”
The agreement will be signed at the end of the year by the Scottish Government, working group partners and Michelin Group bosses.
Dundee City Council leader John Alexander and Scottish Enterprise chief executive Steve Dunlop compiled the Scottish Government’s proposition to Michelin and will lead work to transform the site. John Reid, factory manager at Michelin Dundee, said: “This is a really positive outcome. Everyone involved in this partnership will work extremely hard to transform the Michelin site.”
Bob Macgregor, regional secretary for Unite, described the agreement as “a positive sign for the workers”.