Devro plc, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of collagen products for the food industry, has announced a proposal to close its Bellshill site in Scotland. The proposal is in response to changing trends in consumer behaviour and the business says it is part of its continued drive to achieve a fully integrated global business.

As part of the proposals, Devro intends to increase the portfolio of products manufactured at its Moodiesburn site in Lanarkshire, which recently received a £2 million investment.

The  announcement follows a strategic review of all Devro’s sites around the world and what the company stated follows several months of careful consideration. It said changes in the supply chain network, what customers want to buy and the location of these customers emerged as key factors in informing the proposal.

The proposed changes are expected to result in a reduction of around 90 employees in Scotland. Such reductions will be subject to consultation and Devro will be working closely with its workforce, trade union officials and Scottish Enterprise in the months ahead.

Rutger Helbing, CEO, Devro plc said: “Scotland will remain strategically important to Devro’s global operations. However, the collagen market is evolving and we must look at how we manage our business and stay competitive.

“Decisions like this are never easy. I know this will be an uncertain time for many colleagues, their families and the wider community. Our priority now is to ensure we have the right support in place for those who may be affected by these plans.”