A crisis-hit seafood factory in Fraserburgh will remain open, Young’s Seafood have announced.
Following an “extensive” consultation the frozen fish firm have moved to keep the Watermill Road plant open and retain around 250 permanent jobs.
However hundreds of agency positions will be cut in the north-east port.
The future of Young’s Seafood was thrown into doubt earlier this year when it was announced a £100million salmon contract had been lost. The Grimsby-based firm announced that it was considering closing their Scottish operations in Fraserburgh and Granton-on-Spey.
Senior officials have now agreed an alternative plan which will keep Watermill Road open with a reduced operation. It is understood staff in Fraserburgh will focus on hot and cold smoked Ready-to-Eat products.
The company will also keep the Spey Valley site at Grantown-on-Spey open, retaining the traditional smoking facilities on the site.
Manufacture of other products will gradually transfer to alternative Young’s sites in Scotland and England by May 2016. The phasing of this plan is subject to consultation with Young’s customers
Pete Ward, Chief Executive of Young’s Seafood Limited said: “Following extensive review, consultation with employee representatives and engagement with all interested stakeholders, we are now confirming our Company’s decision to keep open our Fraserburgh Watermill Road and Grantown-on-Spey facilities.
“We recognise the importance of the Fraserburgh and Spey Valley factories to their local communities and we are moving forward with a plan that will retain jobs at both of the sites.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and we’d like to say thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to the site during this challenging time.”