Former Remploy factory gets new lease of life

A NEW business venture will provide employment for disabled workers who were previously laid off.The former Remploy factory in Springburn, which closed last year, is getting a new lease of life as North Lanarkshire Council has established NL Industries to take over the plant, expanding furniture and refurbishing service, Beltane Products.

NL Industries its an amalgamation of the councils exiting Beltane supported employment unit and the former Remploy factory in Wishaw
David Kenna — NL Industries its an amalgamation of the councils exiting Beltane supported employment unit and the former Remploy factory in Wishaw David Kenna

The move will bring former Remploy workers and members of the council’s supported employment service to the factory. One of them is 53-year-old David Kenna from Cumbernauld, one of the ex-Remploy staff now returning to the workplace. David said: ”I was nervous at first but really grateful to have a job.

“I know it’s early days and there is a lot of training and hard work ahead, but I want to work on the kitchen assembly side of the business.

“And know what? I’ve met some great new people in the Wishaw factory.”

Yesterday, December 3, saw the official opening of the renovated factory, coinciding with International Day for Disabled People.

Council leader Jim McCabe opened the facility. He said: “The decision to throw these people onto the scrapheap was a disgrace. But we were determined that both the workforce and the business had a viable future.

“Our aim is to assist people on the fringes of employment to join the mainstream workforce.” “To secure that future we have expanded our current operations and NL Industries will continue the fabulous work of Beltane.”