Larky Masher Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 In 1982 Scotland was making 25% of all the semiconductor made in Europe but looks and it's coming to (an inevitable and sad) end. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-35422212 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deecie Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Don't worry, it's in the Central Belt, so the Scottish Government will be along to save it in a minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenblueeyes Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 I am beyond shocked at this news. I worked there for a year at the time of the takeover and TI were really committed to Greenock plus Nat Semi had invested heavily in new equipment on the site. Unfortunately, it's a very tough industry driven very much by demand from other industries which made it very much boom and bust. The Greenock Fab was much, much bigger in the 80s - actually had three factories on the site and something like 2000 working there. Now it's only around 400 and a percentage of them are agency staff because they needed to flex up and down regularly due to production demand. It's dreadful for the workforce - they had an average length of service at something ridiculous like 25 years and whole families working in the place. I really feel for them because they are very skilled and there's absolutely nothing left in Scotland for them so if they want to progress they'll need to re-locate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenblueeyes Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Don't worry, it's in the Central Belt, so the Scottish Government will be along to save it in a minute. It's Inverclyde - I think you'll find that doesn't apply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larky Masher Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 Don't worry, it's in the Central Belt, so the Scottish Government will be along to save it in a minute. I don't think it would have a long term future with a new owner and certainly not for 300 employees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larky Masher Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 I am beyond shocked at this news. I worked there for a year at the time of the takeover and TI were really committed to Greenock plus Nat Semi had invested heavily in new equipment on the site. Unfortunately, it's a very tough industry driven very much by demand from other industries which made it very much boom and bust. The Greenock Fab was much, much bigger in the 80s - actually had three factories on the site and something like 2000 working there. Now it's only around 400 and a percentage of them are agency staff because they needed to flex up and down regularly due to production demand. It's dreadful for the workforce - they had an average length of service at something ridiculous like 25 years and whole families working in the place. I really feel for them because they are very skilled and there's absolutely nothing left in Scotland for them so if they want to progress they'll need to re-locate. They'll need to relocate to Taiwan or mainland China or Leixlip (which is just as bad as the other two). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzo Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Another boot in the bawz for Scottish manufacturing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grim Jim Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Hiya Jen Yeah, I've had a couple of shandies. You've surprised even me with the 25yr average, though I'm beyond that (yeah, I work there folks). the service length just shows the lack of choice of jobs now - in what was a key industry for a time. I really feel for the younger ones though and even more for kids lacking opportunities in the first place in Scotland with the way things are going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenblueeyes Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Hiya Jen Yeah, I've had a couple of shandies. Not surprised - and I don't think you'll be alone. Saw Pearl in the footage STV took from the outside of the site - usual type of stuff of long range shots of staff walking out the building but no one wanting to speak on camera. Am truly gutted for you all as I loved working there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mariokempes56 Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 It was easily the biggest employer in the Borders when I cam down in the 80s - pretty much fek all left now, and nothing has replaced it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toepoke Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 A shame, know a few folk who work/ have worked there. Although I'm surprised it's stayed open for as long given what has happened to the electronics sector in Scotland over the past decade or so... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Cutler Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Don't worry, it's in the Central Belt, so the Scottish Government will be along to save it in a minute. I just wish SG would include Falkirk area in Central Belt umbrella. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzo Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 I just wish SG would include Falkirk area in Central Belt umbrella.And Ayrshire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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