Overview
- Alexander Dennis, which announced a consultation Tuesday, proposed shutting its Falkirk plant and turning Larbert into a chassis factory, putting up to 115 roles at risk and safeguarding about 200 jobs.
- The move follows last week’s £45 million Scottish bus funding awards that included orders for more than 100 Alexander Dennis zero‑emission vehicles, yet the company says 51% of UK zero‑emission bus purchases go to overseas brands.
- Scottish ministers expressed concern and urged UK‑level changes to procurement and subsidy rules to guarantee a steadier pipeline of domestic orders.
- The Scottish Government said it remains in talks with the firm and unions and noted Alexander Dennis can still claim up to £4.1 million tied to last year’s furlough support, though no claim has been filed.
- The UK Government said around 60% of buses backed by its zero‑emission programme are built in Britain and unions called the plan “shattering,” warning it would erode skills and hurt local supply chains.