Gentex Plans Closure of Stranraer Plant, Threatening 111 Jobs

Gentex, a manufacturer of safety gear for the military and law enforcement, has announced proposals to close its Stranraer factory in Scotland, where 111 employees work, and to make changes at its Letchworth site in Hertfordshire. The company says the move is part of a plan to centralise UK operations in a new facility in Haydock, Merseyside.

No final decision has been taken yet, but Gentex has stated that eligible employees will receive pay until the end of next year, even if they are made redundant earlier. Local MSP Finlay Carson described the potential loss of 111 highly‑skilled jobs as “hugely significant” and called for an urgent, coordinated response from the Scottish government, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and agencies such as South of Scotland Enterprise.

Scottish Business and Fair Work Minister Tom Arthur called the possible job losses “deeply concerning” and said the government would support affected workers. He added that the PACE team would be ready to offer full support if redundancies proceed.

Gentex’s Stranraer plant has a long history, having been owned by Top Tek and later Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd before its acquisition in 2014. Senior director of operations Andrew Wilde said the company’s long‑term European growth opportunities and customer needs are outpacing current UK facilities, prompting a detailed review of how to grow operations.

If the proposal proceeds, the transition would occur in phases over the next two years, with the Stranraer site closing and changes at Letchworth putting some roles at risk of redundancy. Gentex remains committed to protecting the pay of eligible affected employees through at least the end of 2027.