A decline in demand could lead to 440 job losses at Mitsubishi Electric’s Livingston plant, according to local MP Gregor Poynton.
The plant, which has operated in West Lothian for three decades, employs around 1,600 people but is now facing a possible reduction of more than a quarter of its workforce.
A meeting between staff and management at the Mitsubishi Electric factory in West Lothian is reportedly scheduled for Thursday morning following an announcement that over 400 jobs could be at risk.
The Livingston plant, which has been producing air conditioning units, is the largest heat pump manufacturer in the UK.
The company has attributed the potential redundancies to a “widespread downturn in demand” for the products manufactured at the site.
Mr Poynton, who represents the Livingston constituency, voiced his concerns over the impact on local jobs and communities.
The MP raised the matter with the Secretary of State for Scotland and has requested a meeting to explore options for government support and to help secure new orders for the plant.
Mr Poynton described the situation as a result of “short term economic pressures” that have affected the factory’s order book and urged for urgent intervention to protect workers.
A Mitsubishi Electric spokesperson told Energy Live News: “Mitsubishi Electric can confirm that it is in consultation about redundancies with staff at its manufacturing facility in Livingston (Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe).
“This decision was not entered into lightly. Our priority during the consultation period is to handle the process with the utmost respect and care for everyone involved.
“We recognise the personal impact of this process and are supporting our team through this transition.
“Despite seeing some growth in the UK market, the majority of our production at the site has been for mainland Europe, where there has been a widespread downturn in demand.
“This has led to the extremely difficult decision to begin the consultation process.
“We remain committed to our facility in Livingston and manufacturing heat pumps at this site. We do not anticipate any effect on deliveries or supply.”
