Workers at a Perth manufacturing business launched by Simon Howie more than two decades ago are facing redundancy.
Shore Laminates and Mermaid Panels makes shower walls and wall panel systems.
Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces acquired the firm from Mr Howie, best known for his butchery business, for £30 million in an all-cash deal six years ago.
But its workers face an uncertain future, with one claiming the business is being “dismantled” and moved to England.
One worker claimed staff have been told the facility at Friarton Industrial Estate will close this summer.
The member of staff, who wished to remain anonymous, said the firm’s coatings department at Inveralmond will also close.
“Only the distribution centre at Inveralmond is staying for now,” the employee said.
“The guess is that they will close this as soon as they can do the same packing and distribution somewhere else.”
Consultation period for Perth staff
Wilsonart UK confirmed a consultation period is under way.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm a consultation period is currently underway as we review the performance of all four of our production facilities across the UK.
“While we cannot comment further until the consultation period has concluded, we will maintain dialogue with staff at each of the affected sites before a final decision is reached.”
The Shore Laminates employee hit out at the decision to potentially close a “profitable” part of the business.
“People are losing their jobs and what is a profitable part of Wilsonart is being dismantled and relocated to England.”
Shore Laminates founded by Simon Howie
Shore Laminates was formed by Mr Howie in 1991 after running into difficulties sourcing laminate products for his butcher shops.
He set up the company with a £23,000 inheritance from his mother and funds from the bank.
When Mr Howie sold the business, he said he did not want to sell to someone who “may have taken the business and moved it around like a chess game”.
Wilsonart is a global manufacturer and distributor of engineered surfaces headquartered in Austin, Texas.
The Wilsonart UK spokesperson did not say how many employees are at risk of redundancy.
They also offered no reason as to why the firm was reviewing its production facilities.
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