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Councillor Iain Linton, Depute Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “The decision by Diageo that their packaging plant at Hill Street, Kilmarnock will be closed within the next two years is shameful. The first time we heard about this was when we received a copy of the company’s press release earlier today. Our immediate concerns are, of course, for the employees and their families who have today heard this dreadful announcement.
“The first opportunity we had to hear from Diageo and to discuss this with them was when we met this afternoon. Senior Members and Officers quizzed the company as to the reasons for their decisions but we were given no new information and when it was pointed out to them the devastation this would cause in Kilmarnock, the company said that they took this into consideration but were happy that they had reached the correct decision.
“If we had had the opportunity to discuss their proposals before the announcement was made, we would have worked with them to save this plant and offer alternatives.
“I have today spoken to John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and I know that the First Minister Alex Salmond and John Swinney are meeting with representatives of Diageo tomorrow. The Scottish Government has pledged its commitment to fight this decision and to have Diageo change their minds and to retain within Kilmarnock, the world renowned Johnnie Walker brand.”
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