Staff at Fife manufacturing firm told 90 jobs at risk

Staff at a Fife manufacturing firm that supplies parts to Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) have been told that 90 jobs are at risk of being made redundant.

According to The Courier newspaper, Dunfermline-based Greenfold Systems confirmed on Friday that a notice of risk of redundancy has been issued to its employees.

The company said it was the result of plans announced by bus manufacturer ADL – one of Greenfold’s major customers – to close its Scottish sites in order to consolidate its manufacturing business at a single site in Yorkshire.

Greenfold specialises in metal fabrication, cable and wiring, kitting and assembly, with reportedly about half of its staff working on constructing the sides, interdecks and roofs of buses for ADL.

Speaking to The Courier, Greenfold Systems managing director Craig Waterson described ADL as a “sizeable customer”, and said it was a “difficult situation” for the company.

“What happens with ADL remains to be seen. We would, of course, like a clearer answer but we’re not going to get one anytime soon,” he said.

“A communication has been issued to staff, essentially telling them that their jobs are at risk as a result of the ADL situation.

“We will give another update when we know more. We are weighing up life with and without ADL.”

ADL director Paul Davies told a committee of MPs on Thursday that the closure of its Scottish sites was “not a done deal”, but that orders for up to 100 buses and changes to regulation would be needed before the end of the year.

Earlier this month, the company said it could lose as many as 400 jobs – about 22% of its workforce – if plans to close its Falkirk plant and cease operations at the nearby Larbert factory go ahead.

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP said: “This will be an extremely difficult time for the workforce at Greenfold Systems, and my thoughts are with them today.

“The SNP’s failure to support bus building and buying in Scotland is inflicting a chain reaction of misery for workers and local communities across the country.

“If the SNP government are serious about delivering for our economy, they should be sitting down with the firm to thrash out a solution and finally get behind Scottish manufacturing.”

Business and Employment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I am very disappointed to learn that Greenfold Systems Ltd has entered into consultation with a view to making redundancies at its Dunfermline site.

“This will be a difficult time for the employees at risk of losing their jobs, their families and for the local area. Scottish Enterprise will engage with the company to better understand the reasons for this decision and whether it can offer any assistance.

“The people affected by this announcement are our immediate priority and the Scottish Government will do everything in its power to help those affected through our initiative for responding to potential redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.”

Greenfold Systems has been approached for comment.