DIAGEO DECISION IS TOTALLY UNJUSTIFIED
WALSH MUST EXPLAIN COMPANYS THINKING
Reacting to the announcement that Diageo is determined to continue with its closure plans, Willie Coffey, MSP for Kilmarnock & Loudoun, has called the decision totally unjustified and demanded that Paul Walsh, Diageo CEO, visits Kilmarnock to explain the decision.
Mr Coffey said
"Diageo has chosen to ignore the sound case - both economic and social - for remaining in Kilmarnock. However, they have not provided access to the facts to back up their decision.
"They say the economic gap is still significant but havent said what it is. In any case, with profits of £2.6 billion in their pockets it can hardly be a gap that cant be bridged.
"The Scottish Government offered them the exciting prospect of a green field site in the Kilmarnock area, together with a partnership based redevelopment of the Hill Street site. This could have seen Kilmarnock College relocate there, alongside a world class Whisky Heritage Centre, and quality housing.
"Long-term this would be a huge asset of great value to the company. It is a fantastic proposal and I dont understand why Diageo still reject it.
"For Diageo to walk away from us after 189 years is just shocking and totally unjustified. It appears that the people of Kilmarnock care more about the future of Johnnie Walker than Diageo do about us.
"Its vital that the Scottish Parliaments Economy Committee carries out an inquiry into the future of the Scotch whisky industry. Those involved in the industry must explain how decisions like this can be justified in such an iconic industry.
1 Mr Coffey has been advised that members of the workforce at the companys plant in Kilmarnock can not recall Mr Walsh ever visiting the plant.
2 At its meeting on 9 September, the Economy, Energy, and Tourism Committee discussed Mr Coffeys call for an inquiry into the Scotch whisky industry. The committee agreed to ask for a briefing from the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre.
The Scotch Whisky Association has already confirmed that it would co-operate with such an inquiry.
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