Scottish ministers fight to save bus manufacturing jobs at Alexander Dennis

In Scotland, ministers are actively collaborating with bus operators to increase orders from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), a prominent bus manufacturer facing potential closure of its Scottish operations. This move comes amidst significant financial concerns leading ADL to consider consolidating its operations to a single site in Yorkshire, putting approximately 400 jobs at risk. The managing director of ADL, Paul Davies, emphasized that the decision is not final, but substantial increases in bus orders—ranging from 70 to 100 by the year-end and 300 to 400 next year—are essential for the company to remain operational. Finance Secretary Shona Robison has confirmed the government's commitment to exploring all viable options to support ADL's sustainment of bus manufacturing in Scotland. In correspondence with Colin Smyth, the convener of Holyrood's Economy and Fair Work Committee, Robison expressed the government's proactive engagement with commercial bus operators and local transport authorities to assess the current demand for double-deck buses. She also pointed out the collaboration with the UK Government to identify potential demand in other areas across the UK. Robison further indicated that should ADL proceed with plans to consolidate, they may be required to return financial support received from Scottish Enterprise for skills and technological development. However, discussions regarding subsidies are complicated by the UK-wide Subsidy Control Act, which restricts government interventions that would favor domestically produced goods and services—something Scottish ministers are keen to advocate for. While ADL's management has expressed a need for increased orders, the Scottish Government has been vocal about the importance of preserving both the company's legacy and the jobs of its highly skilled workforce. The complexities surrounding subsidy regulations reflect broader issues of government intervention in private enterprises and will require continued dialogues between Scottish and UK officials as they strive to secure the future of bus manufacturing in the region.