WORKERS at a manufacturing plant in Scotland face an uncertain future after it was announced operations may move to Finland.
Nordic Traction Group, the owner of Clark Tracks, has confirmed its intention to close the production facility in Dumfries, which only opened after a revamp in 2020.
It is unclear at the time of writing if any staff members would be transferred to the possible new centralised hub in Loimaa, but a collective consultation process is underway.
Bosses at Nordic say, if approved, the move will be completed by the end of 2024.
Tero Järvinen, CEO of Nordic Traction Group, said: "This strategic intention to relocate our manufacturing operations to Finland aligns with our commitment to sustainability, cost-efficiency, and meeting the needs of our customers.
"We believe that this move would not only enhance our operational capabilities but also strengthen our relationships with our key customers and investors who share our values.
“Finland offers competitive energy prices and commitments to CO2 emission free energy solutions. It is also closer to much of our customer base. Centralised production facilities will allow us to optimise logistics and achieve economies of scale."
The news comes shortly after Ponsse, the brand behind some of forestry's best-known forwarders and harvesters, was considering cutting around 140 jobs as it aims to transform its business operations.
Originating from the Clark family, Clark Tracks was a key component behind the rise of Clark Engineering during the 20th century. Introduced in 1988, Clark Tracks became the world's second-largest track manufacturer and was sold to Gunnebo Industries Ab of Sweden in 2007.
Following the sale of Clark Tracks, Clark Engineering focused its attention and resources on attachments for excavators and cranes, with a new division called POWERHAND making log-handling equipment for sawmills, grabs for railway maintenance and advanced vehicle recycling machines for scrap car yards. Now selling in 18 countries worldwide, POWERHAND quickly became a name of which the Clark family could be very proud.
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