A Fife MSP has called on one of the region’s leading employers to come clean over potential job losses.
Electronics firm Raytheon has confirmed that is considering “efficiency measures” at its Glenrothes plant as part a continuing evaluation of its business.
However, the multinational has refused to give further details on its plans and the number of posts potentially affected by any reshuffles.
Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, said that the company should publicly state its intentions.
“Raytheon and its predecessor company have been a solid employer for Fife for many, many years,” he said.
“They need to be open and transparent about its plans for the future.
“Everyone in the community will want to do what it can to protect jobs for the area, good quality jobs that are at the core of the local economy.”
Raytheon’s Glenrothes plant employs around 600 workers and is the US-owned firm’s only UK production site for advanced electronics.
A leader in its field, the systems developed at Raytheon’s Fife facility are used in some of the world’s most advanced weapons, including Tomahawk missiles utilised by both the US and UK militaries.
Its other UK facilities, based at Broughton, Lincolnshire and Gloucester, focus on aviation and software development.
While it is unknown how many posts may be affected by the company’s review of its Glenrothes operation, a spokesperson said it would not be releasing further information at this time.
A statement said: “Raytheon UK is continually considering efficiency measures in order to enhance our competitiveness in our chosen markets.
“To enable us to deliver business growth, we need to shape our organisation appropriately and therefore align our resources, investments and talent.
“We are discussing some plans with our employees that would be designed to further improve manufacturing efficiencies throughout the business.
“As that internal process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
