Deal reached to save jobs at Inverclyde semi-conductor manufacturer

A deal has been reached to save 300 jobs at a semi-conductor manufacturer in Inverclyde.

The future of staff at Texas Instruments had been under threat since management announced plans to move production overseas in 2016.

But semi-conductor manufacturer Diodes Incorporated has now agreed to purchase the plant and continue production and employment in Greenock.

The Scottish Government welcomed the deal, which is expected to be completed by spring 2019. It came after ministers provided around £15m in support.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said: “I am absolutely delighted that we now have a solution that sees Inverclyde benefit from the continuation of high value manufacturing in the constituency.

“The Scottish Government has worked tirelessly to secure this outcome – the SNP will always stand up for jobs and manufacturing in Scotland. 

“Despite the uncertainty that the workforce faced over the last few years, they have remained motivated, focussed and have consistently delivered. The new company will be getting a highly skilled workforce to be proud of.

“I am delighted with the efforts of everyone involved to help get this deal done and want to pay particular tribute to Scottish Enterprise and all public agencies involved for their sterling efforts.”

Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn said the Scottish government and its agencies would continue to work with Diodes, Texas Instruments and public sector agencies to complete the agreement.