More than 440 employees at Mitsubishi Electric’s factory in Livingston, West Lothian, are facing potential redundancy amid a significant downturn in demand for the factory’s products.
The site, which has been manufacturing heat pumps and air conditioning units for 30 years, currently employs around 1,600 people.
The company confirmed 443 jobs are at risk as part of a consultation process triggered by a sharp fall in orders.
The announcement comes as a blow to the local economy. Concerns are being raised about the impact on the highly skilled workforce.
Mitsubishi cited the “widespread downturn in demand” from mainland Europe, where the majority of its production is shipped, as the key factor behind the decision.
Local Leaders Express Concern
MP Gregor Poynton Calls for Government Support
Livingston MP Gregor Poynton voiced his concern over the potential job losses. He said the situation is being driven by "short-term economic pressures." He highlighted the factory’s importance in creating world-leading products that are vital for the UK’s efforts to decarbonize its economy, such as air source heat pumps.
Poynton said:
“These are a highly skilled workforce creating world-leading products,”
"However, through no fault of their own, due to short-term economic pressures, they've seen their order book fall away."
Poynton called on Scotland Secretary Ian Murray to meet with him, management, and the workers to discuss how the UK government could potentially offer support during this difficult time.
In response, Secretary Ian Murray committed to holding meetings “as a matter of priority” to address the situation.
Murray said:
"I am really sorry to hear the difficulties faced by Mitsubishi Electric's workforce and the uncertainty faced by those workers during this difficult time."
Mitsubishi's Statement
A spokesperson for Mitsubishi Electric expressed regret over the job cuts. They stressed the decision was not taken lightly. They said the company’s priority during the consultation period is to handle the process “with the utmost respect and care for everyone involved.”
The spokesperson acknowledged some growth in the UK market but noted the majority of the factory’s production is geared toward mainland Europe, where demand has significantly dropped.
This decline, Mitsubishi said, is what led to the difficult decision to begin the consultation process.
Despite the looming redundancies, the company remains committed to its Livingston facility and does not expect any disruption to deliveries or supply during the consultation period.
