Business

The closure of two computer components plants in Ayrshire could have a knock-on effect on a Smurfit Kappa plant in the area.

Local sources say Smurfit Kappa in Irvine produces work for the Simclar plants in Kilwinning and Irvine.

Dunfermline-based Simclar has laid off 420 staff and placed its Ayrshire subsidiary into voluntary administration.

Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe and Willie Paterson, the Scottish regional secretary of Community, the union representing Simclar workers, both said the closure would hit Smurfit Kappa Irvine’s business, but Derek Gillespie, the firm’s general manager, declined to comment.

Donohoe predicted the closure would affect up to 1,000 jobs in the region.