Selkirk-based cleaning products manufacturer RP Adam (Arpal Group) looks set to be closed, which could lead to the loss of 48 jobs.
The news comes within two years of the Arpal Group, which is based at the North Riverside Industrial Park factory, was taken over in a multi-million-pound deal by US-based Ecolab.
Ecolab say that the decision to shut the almost 130-year-old factory was taken following a review of its manufacturing operation in the UK. Staff are being consulted about the plans and could be offered redeployment packages, although how many will (or could) accept such an offer is unknown.
In a statement, Ecolab said: “This decision was made after extensive review of our manufacturing in the UK to identify ways to further optimise the efficiency of our operations. We determined that our other UK manufacturing plants are better suited to meet the long-term needs of our business in this market.”
Commenting on the closure, local MP John Lamont said on twitter: “Really disappointing to hear that RP Adam plant in Selkirk is closing down. My thoughts go to the 48 employees and their families. I’ve sought assurances from the management that they will do all they can to support the staff. I stand ready to help.”
