Laing O'Rourke to close Bison concrete factory

The contractor said it had informed staff at the Uddingston-based factory that it was likely to be closed and they were at risk of redundancy.

In a statement the firm said: “It is with regret that we today informed our Uddingston workforce that following a review of the future pipeline of opportunities, we are proposing that on completion of current orders, we will close the Uddingston plant.

“This proposal places 55 roles at risk of redundancy. Our priority is to support our workforce through this unsettling time and over the coming weeks we will be consulting them around the details of this proposal.”

However, the firm said it remained “totally committed” to the Bison business, which it took over in 2008 after it fell into administration. The contractor assumed full ownership of the business, established in 1919, earlier this year.

Bison also has a factory in Swadlincote, in Derbyshire.

The firm added: “Bison is a company with a strong heritage and brand reputation. Laing O’Rourke assumed full ownership of the Group in January 2012 and is totally committed to securing its long term future.

“The continued depressed state of the construction and manufacturing markets has led to Bison’s Uddingston operation making losses over a sustained period of time.

“This situation cannot be allowed to continue and decisive action is necessary to ensure a successful future for the business.