More than 100 jobs under threat at military safety gear factory
Gentex announces proposals to close its site in Stranraer, where 111 people are employed.
More than 100 jobs are under threat at a Scottish factory that makes safety equipment for the military.
Gentex has revealed plans to shut its Stranraer plant, where 111 people work, and to make "changes" at its Letchworth site in Hertfordshire.
The company said the move forms part of plans to bring its UK operations together in a new facility in Haydock, Merseyside.
It said no final decision has been taken, but eligible staff would continue to be paid until the end of next year, even if they are made redundant before then.
Local MSP Finlay Carson said the loss of 111 highly skilled jobs in the area was "hugely significant".
"This is not simply another company restructuring," he added. "It represents one of the largest private sector job losses our area has faced in recent years."
He urged an urgent, co-ordinated response from the Scottish government, Dumfries and Galloway Council and agencies including South of Scotland Enterprise.
He said: "We must use the time available to ensure affected workers are supported into new opportunities and that every effort is made to attract replacement investment to the area."
Gentex makes safety equipment including helmets, headsets, visors and oxygen masks for the military, law enforcement and other industries.
The factory has a long history in the town. It was previously owned by Top Tek, which made helmets for Kangol.
From 1983, it was run by Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd (HISL) before Gentex bought it in 2014.
Staff in Stranraer and Letchworth were told the news earlier.
Andrew Wilde, senior director of operations at Gentex, said: "Our long-term European growth opportunities and customer needs are outpacing our current UK facilities, so we have conducted a detailed review into how we grow our operations."
He said the company was proposing to consolidate its UK activities at Haydock, subject to a formal consultation process.
He added: "If the proposal proceeds, this would result in the closure of our Stranraer facility and changes at Letchworth, with a number of roles at risk of redundancy. The proposed transition would take place in phases over the next two years.
"We know how hard this news is for our colleagues in the UK and their families, and it's no reflection on them or their work. We're committed to protecting the pay of eligible affected employees through at least the end of 2027."