MSPs PRAISE LOCAL BUSINESS, COUNCIL and GOVERNMENT FOR SUPPORTING GLENCRAFT

MSPs PRAISE LOCAL BUSINESS, COUNCIL and GOVERNMENT FOR SUPPORTING GLENCRAFT

Commenting on tonight’s debate on Supported Workplaces in the Scottish Parliament the North East SNP MSPs praised the very generous and constructive support offered by Aberdeen-based energy firm Production Services Network (PSN), and their Chief Executive, Bob Keillor, to help the Aberdeen based Glencraft factory.

Earlier this year the mothballed factory, which employed blind and disabled workers, was saved from total closure after the First Minister negotiated funding and support from PSN who stepped in to help secure the future of the factory which closed its doors in November 2008.

Commenting Maureen Watt MSP said:

“Supported Workplaces are essential for those in our community who may find it difficult to find employment in the wider economy. Glencraft was one of those and its financial problems needed to be addressed.

“I welcome the renewed hope that the Scottish Government-led initiative of a new social enterprise offers Glencraft along with the very generous and constructive support offered by Bob Keillor and the PSN team.”

Nigel Don MSP said:

“Only by working together can the work offered by the likes of Glencraft be secured, It is good to hear that not only will PSN support the venture but that the council have offered new hope for the Glencraft factory.

“Aberdeen City Council have agreed to let Glencraft operate rent free for a year at a cost of £225,000. This was offered to them first time around but the board rejected it – unhappily putting the factory into administration.

“This is how we can save the work of the likes of Glencraft and put it on a sound footing instead of offering false hopes in these financially tight times.”

Aberdeen North MSP Brian Adam said:

“The announcement earlier this month was an excellent first step to getting former Glencraft employee’s back into work. A new company which will use their current skill set will be an excellent way of doing that.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, but I believe we should now be hopeful about the future of Glencraft and I am optimistic that the £500,000 target set by Bob Keiller can be met.”