LV in fight to supply demand
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EMERGENCY arrangements to conserve stocks of Leyland Redline commercials are being made following the closure of the Bathgate assembly plant by a strike of 1,500 machinists.
A Leyland Vehicles spokesman told CM earlier this week that its distributors were operating a stock location system to meet as many instant requirements as possible from existing stocks held throughout the country.
The 1,500 machinists have been on unofficial strike at Bathgate for over three weeks in protest against new efficiency levels which have been set for new machine tools, resulting in 3,000 employees being laid off.
Part of LV's £31m investment in its Scottish plants, the tools are used for milling and grinding of parts delivered to the works. The new output levels were set to meet a growing demand for Redline vehicles both at home and abroad.
The spokesman added: "It is serious and particularly damaging because of the nature of the dispute, and its timing."
"It has occurred at a time when we have been enjoying a measurable degree of success with the newly introduced Super G-cabbed Terriers, Boxers, and Mastiffs."
Production at the Albion plant in Glasgow is "not dramatically affected" by the Bathgate dispute, but once the present supply of G-cabs for Clydesdale, Reiver, and Chieftain models is exhausted, at present, sufficient stocks are available.
LV's board, naturally, is very concerned by the problems at Bathgate, and has called a meeting with all its trade unions to discuss the matter. This will probably be held this week.
The £31m investment in Scotland is intended eventually to lead to Bathgate being the company's own vehicle assembly factory in Scotland. Albion's Scotstoun plant will then specialise in the manufacture of axles, gearboxes, and suspensions.