MSP Brian Whittle has called on the First Minister to support engineering jobs across East Ayrshire following the announcement that MAHLE Engine Systems in Kilmarnock is consulting on plans to cut up to a quarter of its workforce.
During questions to the First Minister, Scottish Conservative Brian asked Nicola Sturgeon what the Scottish Government could do to support the 45 staff at risk, and challenged her to consider what steps can be taken to support engineering businesses in the region.
Brian has previously written to the Scottish and UK Governments highlighting the work of successful engineering businesses in Ayrshire and called for investment in the sector as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“This is disappointing news for Kilmarnock, particularly so soon after the closure of Wabtec earlier this year.
While I hope that the consultation process will mean that MAHLE are able to avoid such a dramatic reduction in numbers, I welcome the First Minister’s assurance that the Scottish Government will provide support through the PACE initiative to anyone who does lose their job. I’m also going to provide any assistance I can.
Ayrshire, particularly East Ayrshire, has a long history of engineering and there are many successful engineering and manufacturing businesses in the area with the potential to grow. That’s why I’ve been pushing the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver the Ayrshire Growth Deal and invest in our transport infrastructure.
With the right investment now, we can secure the future of East Ayrshire as an engineering hub for years to come.”
