The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fate of Michelin plant and its 850 workers set to be revealed
Finance secretary to give update on proposals on Friday
Workers at Dundee’s closure threatened Michelin factory will have to wait until Friday to find out if last-ditch efforts to save their jobs have been successful.
The Michelin Dundee Action Group has presented the Scottish Government finance minister with two proposals it believes could ensure Michelin retains a presence at Baldovie.
Details of the proposals, which are likely to include re-purposing the factory, have been kept under wraps.
It is understood they may also include plans to create a research and development and training centre on the site.
Mr Mackay met senior executives from Michelin on Friday to discuss the proposals.
But he has said he will not update the action group – and therefore Michelin workers – until Friday.
A statement released by the Scottish Government yesterday said he would provide an update on “Michelin’s response” and the “next steps” to be taken.
He said: “I had a productive meeting with Michelin senior executives on Friday where we presented propositions relating to the future of the Michelin site and its workforce in Dundee.
“On Friday, I will convene the third meeting of the Michelin Dundee Action Group and update them on the company’s response and the next steps.”
The French tyre manufacturer told staff earlier this month they intend to close the factory, which employs 850 staff, in 2020.
Michelin said a fall in demand for the 16-inch tyres produced in Dundee and competition from cheaper imports from the Far East was behind the decision.
The action group met for the first time on November 12 and was given just a couple of weeks to come up with plans to save the factory.
Bob McGregor, regional organiser for the Unite union, said proposals for the future of the site are not being put in the public domain in order “not to scare Michelin off”.
He added Friday’s meeting was scheduled last week.
He said: “To be honest, there’s no urgency about the jobs at the moment. There are people working with the members to make sure they are comfortable.”
On Friday, I will convene the third meeting of the Michelin Dundee Action Group and update them on the company’s response and the next steps.
DEREK MACKAY, FINANCE SECRETARY