Dingwall salmon factory closure threat
The owner of Dingwall smoked salmon producer The Edinburgh Salmon Company Ltd (ESCo) has announced the proposed sale or closure of the business, putting more than 200 jobs at risk.
The BBC reported that Européenne de la Mer, a subsidiary of Thai Union Group, said the business has been suffering heavy losses as a result of a “highly challenging market”. Losses in 2017 amounted to £5.225 million, and the year before that £6.86m.
The ESCo plant employs 163 staff, and also between 80 to 100 agency workers.
Ian Blackford, SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, described it as “devastating news” and hopes a buyer can be found for the plant.
ESCo said it will “actively pursue and explore all viable divestment opportunities” to avoid, reduce, or mitigate impacts upon its staff.
Primary consideration
The company said yesterday: “Our employees at ESCo are our primary consideration. They were informed of the situation this morning.
“We are now informing our customers and suppliers about the proposal, as well as community leaders and government representatives.
“Following the announcement to our employees, we have started the process of appointing elected workplace representatives. Once in place, we will begin a 45-day period of collective consultation to further consider the proposal and alternatives to it.
“If we are unable to find a viable alternative to the proposed closure we will then carry out individual consultations with at-risk employees.”
