400 jobs on line as bus maker wields the axe

Manufacturer to move work to England after over 100 years

- CHRIS MCCALL

BUS manufacturer Alexander Dennis has announced plans to close two of its factories, putting 400 jobs at risk.

The firm yesterday launched a consultation with affected staff at its plants in Larbert and Camelon after revealing it wants to centralise its operations in England.

The news is a hammer blow to the local economy in Falkirk weeks after the refinery in nearby Grangemouth was closed.

Alexander Dennis Ltd said its Scots factories would continue to operate until their order books were completed.

The statutory consultation places up to 400 roles at potential risk of redundancy, amounting to 22 per cent of the company's workforce.

The company, owned by a Canadian parent firm, employs 1950 people in the UK, with its biggest plant in Larbert. It also has a UK supply chain employing a further 6350 people.