Around 100 jobs at risk as firm to close Scottish factory after 50 years

AROUND 100 workers could lose their jobs after a firm behind a huge Scottish factory announced it faces being shut down.

Silberline factory in Leven, Fife, is in danger of being closed down after it was taken over by new owners.

Workers were told of the devastating news this week after bosses announced their proposal to shut it down on Tuesday.

According to The Courier, It is understood the intention is that the factory will be run down by the end of 2025.

Silberline is a global provider of aluminium effect pigments and coatings which are used in a wide variety of applications.

This includes paints for cars, protective coatings, consumer packaged goods and printing kinks and plastics.

It first opened in Leven over 50 years ago in 1974 and is home to over a quarter of its 450 global workforce.

It was recently acquired by German company Eckart, which also specialises in pigments, as part of the firm’s expansion division.

It was taken over three months ago after bosses at Eckart said they planned to strengthen its regional presence – particularly in North America and Asia.

But workers told The Courier that the combined group has caused the Silberline site to be “over capacity” as Eckart is four times the size of Silberline.

But bosses said the proposal to close the site comes from “multiple factors” including “the global trend of regionalisation in our business.”

However, they stressed that no final decision on the site’s future has been made.

Silberline operations director Alan Snaddon told The Courier: “On April 9, we announced a proposal to close the Eckart (formerly Silberline) site in Leven.

“This proposal comes after a lengthy review of our operations in Leven.

“It is a result of multiple factors, including the global trend of regionalisation in our business.

“We have now started consultations with our affected employees and their representatives about this proposal.

“No final decision to close the site has yet been taken.

If the proposal goes ahead, we will do everything we can to support our employees… It has not been formulated lightly and is as a result of the difficult situation we find ourselves in

Alan SnaddonSilberline operations director

“However, if the proposal goes ahead, we will do everything we can to support our employees.

“This proposal has not been formulated lightly and is as a result of the difficult situation we find ourselves in.”

It comes after the firm previously revealed they were facing difficulties after feeling the effects of Brexit and Covid-19.

They explained there was a reduced demand from car production during the pandemic and they also faced “logistical delays” after Brexit.

Silberline has been contacted for comment.