Paisley 2021 bid to be marked at Xmas extravaganza
November 8, 2016Renfrewshire councillors reject planning application for holding facility
November 8, 2016The leader of Renfrewshire Council has written to the First Minister and Chivas bosses to express concerns after the whisky giant announced plans to move out of Paisley.
Workers at the Renfrew Road plant learned last week that the firm intends to transfer them to its Dumbarton site by the end of 2019.
The Paisley site has supported several generations of families and more than 450 staff are currently based there.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “Given how well-established Chivas Brothers is within Paisley it is incredibly disappointing that they intend to move work from the town and that no-one from the company made us aware of their plans.
“We will be doing all we can to help and support the workforce and I’m calling for an urgent meeting with the company and the unions to ensure staff get any assistance they need.
“I’m also appealing to the First Minister to use her influence to help minimise the impact on Paisley and the wider area.”
Chivas Brothers has maintained a presence in Paisley since 1957, when it began work to develop a bottling plant at Renfrew Road.
In 2011 the company was acquired by Pernod Ricard.
Council Leader Macmillan added: “I have read reports in the media that Chivas officials say they are committed to working with elected representatives and ensuring the Paisley site has a favourable future.
“If that is true then I’m sure they will agree to meet us and discuss how to deliver it.
“We are absolutely determined to ensure Renfrewshire prospers and we will continue working to attract new investment, support businesses and create more and better jobs for local people.”
