Electronics firm stays tight-lipped about future of 600 jobs

Call: MSP says Raytheon needs to give more information on its plans for Fife plant

One of the region’s leading employers has been urged to come clean over potential job losses.

Electronics firm Raytheon has confirmed it is considering “efficiency measures” at its Glenrothes plant.

However, the multinational has refused to give further details on its plans and the number of posts potentially affected by any reshuffles.

Now Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, says the company should publicly state its intentions.

“Raytheon and its predecessor company have been a solid employer for Fife for many, many years,” he said.

“They need to be open and transparent about their plans for the future.

“Everyone in the community will want to do what they can to protect jobs for the area, good quality jobs that are at the core of the local economy.”

Raytheon’s Glenrothes plant employs around 600 workers and is the US-owned firm’s only UK production site for advanced electronics.

The systems developed at Raytheon’s Fife facility are used in some of the world’s most advanced weapons, including Tomahawk missiles utilised by both the US and UK militaries.

Its other UK facilities, based at Broughton, Lincolnshire and Gloucester, focus on aviation and software development.

While it is unknown how many posts may be affected by the company’s review of its Glenrothes operation, a spokesperson said it would not be releasing further information at this time.

A statement said: “Raytheon UK is continually considering efficiency measures in order to enhance our competitiveness in our chosen markets.

“To enable us to deliver business growth, we need to shape our organisation appropriately and therefore align our resources, investments and talent.

“We are discussing some plans with our employees that would be designed to further improve manufacturing efficiencies throughout the business.

“As that internal process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”

They need to be open and transparent about their plans for the future. WILLIE RENNIE

Picture: Alan Richardson. Raytheon is in discussion with staff at its Glenrothes factory but local MSP Willie Rennie has called for more information from the firm.