AROUND 180 jobs are to be lost with the closure of a specialist window manufacturing factory in Fife.
The Velux Group, which makes roof windows and skylights, plans to shut its site at Glenrothes by autumn next year after a strategic review of its manufacturing and logistics functions across Europe.
The firm's distribution centre is also being moved south to the England Midlands.
However, the group said it would expand the sales and marketing division in the Fife town, creating 30 new jobs.
It added that, in future, the firm will concentrate its production at fewer factories and reorganise its operations in Europe to boost "long-term competitive strength and cost effectiveness".
Keith Riddle, UK managing director of Velux, said: "This has been a very difficult decision and not one we have taken easily.
"Our primary concern at this time is to support affected colleagues and we will be working closely with employees, relevant agencies and the Scottish Government to offer guidance and support in addition to redeployment or relocated employment where possible. A process of consultation with elected employee representatives is also being established.
"Our colleagues in Fife are highly skilled and competent with knowledge of Velux products that we value and look for in all employees.
"So, although positions are of a limited number, it is my hope that some of those affected would be interested in a new position in the sales company or would consider relocation to our southern distribution operation."
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