 The company has been operating in Scotland for 10 years |
Computer printer firm Lexmark is to close its manufacturing plant in Fife, with the loss of 700 jobs. Workers at the firm's plant in Admiralty Park, Rosyth, were told that 500 jobs would be cut by April with the last 200 going by the end of the year.
The American-owned company, which makes printers and cartridges, has been in Scotland for 10 years.
It is shedding 1,400 jobs globally in response to a worldwide decline in demand for the cartridges.
Alan Spiers, the plant's general manager, said: "We truly regret the loss of jobs in this community.
"While we do not have the ability to change the impact of technology or economics, we nevertheless recognise the changes facing our employees and their families.
"Lexmark employees have worked hard to contribute to the company's success over the past 10 years.
"Likewise, the community has supported our business. This has enabled us, in turn, to make a considerable contribution to the community, education and, of course, the regional economy over the past decade."
Lexmark also said it would be shedding jobs at its Kentucky headquarters and at its offices in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Workers leaving the Rosyth plant after the announcement said they had been told not to speak to the media.
Employees' shock
But one, Lynn Geddes, 26, from Rosyth, who has worked at the plant for six years and is due to go on maternity leave on 6 March, said: "I went to work at 7am and was told that we had a meeting at 11.50.
"We didn't know what it was about and only found out when we got there.
"I'm in absolute shock and don't know what to say. I'm obviously very upset and concerned. We've been sent home until Thursday and I've to finish by May."
 Maire Irvine said the future now looks uncertain for her |
Production operator Maire Irvine, 49, from Dunfermline, has worked at the plant for four years.
The mother-of-two said: "I am very shocked but I had heard the rumours so I knew it was coming. I'm extremely upset because I don't know what I will do now.
"I have back problems so I don't know what job I'm going to get. I'm going to miss the job as all the girls were great to work with. It's a very sad day."
Nicola Mayne, 24, from Rosyth, who has been a circuit testing operator for three years, said: "I'm very angry and upset about what has happened today.
"I just started a mortgage two years ago so I don't know what I'm going to do now. All I can do is hang on in there until I get a new job."
Fife Council said help and support would be offered to those losing their jobs.
Strategic manager Stuart Nichol said the local authority was "very disappointed" at the announcement, which came as "a real blow".
Scottish Enterprise Fife's chief executive Joe Noble said the news was "extremely disappointing".
"Our primary focus and concern at this time is with the employees who will be affected by this announcement," he said.
By-election issue
"Senior Scottish Enterprise representatives will be meeting with Lexmark senior management in Rosyth this afternoon."
The announcement quickly became an issue in the Westminster by-election for the Dunfermline and West Fife seat, which followed the death of Labour MP Rachel Squire.
Many of the parties stressed the need to help those affected by the closure, while Labour's policies were criticised by others.
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I'm in absolute shock and don't know what to say
