Management takeover saves 109 jobs

More than 100 jobs have been saved at an under-threat vehicle parts company in Bishopbriggs.

A management takeover at a vehicle parts company has saved more than 100 jobs near Glasgow.

John McGavigan Ltd, based in Bishopbriggs, fell into administration in September but administrators have now sold the company to its former management preserving 109 jobs.

Eleven members of staff were made redundant immediately after the company fell into administration.

New owners David Taylor and Steve Mathers say they are confident the company, which makes panels for dashboards, temperature gauges and speedometers, can grow.

The government’s scrappage scheme boosted car sales in Scotland by 45% last month on the same period the previous year.

A statement from the new owners said: “The manufacturing sector and especially the automotive market has gone through an extremely difficult time over the past year, however, we were determined to ensure the survival of the McGavigan business.

“Through the determination of our customers, our workforce, many of our suppliers and the added support of the Scottish Government agencies, we have managed not only to save the business, but to put in motion steps which will allow the business to grow from strength to strength.”

The company was part of a US-based group and had an annual turnover of £9million before falling demand in the car industry.

Administrator Blair Nimmo of KPMG said the prospect of a sale over the past eight weeks often looked “bleak”.

He added: “Since our appointment on September 14, the commitment on the part of employees and the ongoing support from customers who have been working with us to preserve the business has been exceptional.

“This sale represents a fantastic result for everyone involved, and we would like to wish the new owners and the business every success in the future.”

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