The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Workers hail ‘greatest Christmas present’
BIFAB: Relief as firm is saved but it must look to future
BiFab must look to the future after a Scottish Government-brokered deal kept the engineering firm in business.
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance described Saturday’s news as “the greatest Christmas present possible” for the company’s 1,400 workers.
The announcement came after a week of fears that the prominent local employer was on the brink of going into administration due to cash flow problems.
However, following protracted negotiations with the Scottish Government and Dutch contractor Seaway Heavy Lifting, an agreement has been reached that will secure the shortterm future of the company.
Mr Torrance urged the firm to protect its workforce by preparing itself to land lucrative contracts that would safeguard jobs.
“It’s the greatest Christmas present possible and I have to thank all of the parties for making it happen, particularly Keith Brown and Paul Wheelhouse,” he said.
“There are a lot of big contracts coming up and BiFab needs to be competitive to tender for them.”
BiFab’s future was thrown into doubt last week after details emerged of a dispute over payments with contractor Seaway.
Saturday’s agreement means the company, which produces equipment for the oil and gas sector, will receive payments to alleviate its immediate cash flow concerns, lifting the threat of administration.
The Scottish Government has also indicated that it will, if necessary, make a commercial loan facility available to BiFab.
It means the firm can now complete its order for products for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm project.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon applauded the agreement, confirming the imminent threat to BiFab’s future had now been removed.
“While this deal lifts the immediate threat of administration, we recognise that there is a lot of work still to do to secure the long term position,” she said.
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Lesley Laird echoed the calls of Mr Torrance and urged BiFab to prepare for future contracts.
She said: “It’s vital we now develop a longer-term plan for BiFab to ensure it can flourish in the renewable energy sector in the years to come.”