This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Meeting over Boots Airdrie plant
07/02/2003
Enterprise Minister Iain Gray today met with senior representatives of Boots to discuss the company's decision to close their facility in Airdrie.
The Minister was joined at the meeting by the local MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, Helen Liddell, local MSP Karen Whitefield and representatives from Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire and the trades unions.
After the meeting Mr Gray said:
"I have made it very clear to the company that the discussions that I have had with them this morning should have taken place some time ago. Talking earlier would have been helpful, but I am clear that we have to concentrate on the here and now.
"The company has said that they cannot see any way in which their decision to close can be changed. They will work with my officials to look at alternative uses for the Airdrie plant and are keen to look at ways of keeping employment on the site - perhaps by looking for a buyer for the facility.
"I have instructed my senior officials to meet with the company today to take these discussions forward and Scottish Enterprise will, obviously, offer any aid they can in pursuing this possibility.
"In parallel with this, we need to do everything we can to help the workforce. The company has indicated that it is keen to work with local groups and to contribute to regeneration projects that will bring jobs to the area.
"The all-agency approach pioneered by the Executive's PACE framework will be part of this and will ensure that everything is done to support those who will be affected by the proposed closure.
"PACE has had significant success in the past at helping people affected by redundancy. I see no reason why this will not also be the case in Airdrie."