Media statement issued by Angus Council Monday 9 December 2002 in response to GlaxoSmithKline's announcement of the sale of their Montrose plant to Diosynth BV.
GSK Announcement
Montrose councillor Bill Crowe welcomed the news saying:
"It has been a very uncertain time for employees at the Montrose plant but today's announcement has brought better news than we had anticipated. While we would have preferred to see all jobs saved it became clear at a very early stage that this was not going to be an option. The news that 500 jobs are likely to be secured with this deal is a much better outcome than was at one time feared and we would hope that any compulsory redundancies are kept to a minimum.
"The plant has been a major employer in not only the town but also the county for many years and the council is very pleased that this looks set to continue with the new company.
"Today's announcement gives many people in the area a great boost just before Christmas. It is after all not only welcome news for those directly employed at the factory but also for the many local business who would have been adversely affected by any large scale redundancies.
"The council and the town of Montrose are looking forward to working with Diosynth BV when the company takes over ownership of the plant early next year."