TOLLCROSS McVitie's owners, pladis have announced their intentions to close the historic Glasgow factory. 

The company originally launched a consultation process on the closure in May but they said "alternative proposals" put forward by trade unions and a Scottish Government action group did not present a viable alternative to keep the factor open.

pladis has justified the closure, saying it addresses the 'over-capacity' across the company in the UK. 

The move means 500 workers are set to be made redundant after a grassroots-led campaign to save jobs at the plant. Almost 80,000 people signed a petition calling on pladis to reverse plans for the closure and the employees have received support across the political spectrum. 

David Murray, pladis UK & Ireland Managing Director said: “We know this news will be difficult for our colleagues at Tollcross, so it is with regret that we announce our intention to proceed with the proposal to close the site. Our priority is to provide employees with the on-going support they need as we continue with the consultation. 

"pladis is home to some of Britain’s best loved brands which have been part of the fabric of our society for nearly two hundred years.  In order to protect them for generations to come, we must take steps to address excess capacity in the UK.”