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Plant closures mean 420 job cuts Plant closures mean 420 job cuts
(40 minutes later)
A manufacturing company has closed two factories with immediate effect, with the loss of 420 jobs.A manufacturing company has closed two factories with immediate effect, with the loss of 420 jobs.
The Simclar Group - an electronic components manufacturer - has closed its sites in Irvine and Kilwinning.The Simclar Group - an electronic components manufacturer - has closed its sites in Irvine and Kilwinning.
In a statement, the Scottish firm said it had been unable to remain competitive due to pressure from low cost economies and falling orders.In a statement, the Scottish firm said it had been unable to remain competitive due to pressure from low cost economies and falling orders.
The company, which is based in Dunfermline, also blamed uncertainty in the manufacturing sector.The company, which is based in Dunfermline, also blamed uncertainty in the manufacturing sector.
Simclar (Ayrshire) will now be placed in administration.Simclar (Ayrshire) will now be placed in administration.
'Impossible' situation'Impossible' situation
Staff were told of the closure at a morning meeting with management.Staff were told of the closure at a morning meeting with management.
A Simclar spokesman said: "The current market conditions have made the continued operation of Simclar (Ayrshire) impossible.A Simclar spokesman said: "The current market conditions have made the continued operation of Simclar (Ayrshire) impossible.
This is a human tragedy for the families involved Irene Oldfather MSP
"Simclar has made every attempt to restructure and save the business but it would not be in the best interests of the group as a whole to continue to do so in the long-term."Simclar has made every attempt to restructure and save the business but it would not be in the best interests of the group as a whole to continue to do so in the long-term.
"The company will work with the local enterprise and employment agencies to offer information and support to those affected by this closure in their search for new employment.""The company will work with the local enterprise and employment agencies to offer information and support to those affected by this closure in their search for new employment."
Local MP Brian Donohoe said news of the job losses was a great shock.Local MP Brian Donohoe said news of the job losses was a great shock.
He said: "Naturally this is a real hit for the constituency but I am confident it will not undermine its established reputation as a favourable business location."He said: "Naturally this is a real hit for the constituency but I am confident it will not undermine its established reputation as a favourable business location."
Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, said: "This is very bad news for the local economy.
"It is going to be quite a challenge to retrain and upskill these people and get them back into work.
"This is a human tragedy for the families involved."
Simclar Group has facilities in Europe, the US, Mexico and China and employed about 1,800 people worldwide.Simclar Group has facilities in Europe, the US, Mexico and China and employed about 1,800 people worldwide.
The group said its site in Dunfermline, where 300 workers are employed, would continue to operate.The group said its site in Dunfermline, where 300 workers are employed, would continue to operate.