OKI to lay off 175 workers in Cumbernauld

OKI Printing Solutions has 350 staff but is to reduce that figure by 50 per cent. Finance minister John Swinney visited the factory in Wardpark on Friday morning to speak to management.

A company spokeswoman said: “We are aware this will be a significant blow to our staff and to the local community in Cumbernauld and as we enter into a period of consultation, our priority is to support affected employees whilst we go through this difficult process therefore no further details can be provided at this time.”

Gregg McClymont, Member of Parliament for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East, commented: “Everyone in Cumbernauld will be shocked by this news. It is important that everyone with an interest in OKI works together with them to find a solution which saves jobs.”

Jamie Hepburn, SNP MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, added: “The reported 175 redundancies represents 50 per cent of the workforce at the OKI plant in Cumbernauld. This is a serious blow for employment in the area.

“My thoughts go out to every one of those affected and their families. This is news nobody wants to hear.

“I have attempted to make contact with the management at OKI Cumbernauld to discuss this matter and also hope to raise this in Parliament next week.”

In 2012 OKI Printing Solutions’ parent company OKI Electric was one of several Japanese companies involved in an accounting scandal which caused share prices to plummet.