Uddingston-based Dawnfresh is now closed after shock announcement when staff turned up for work

The intended closure was announced last year September when the firm claimed that there would be jobs for those willing to relocate to Abroath which is 96 miles away from Uddingston.

The Motherwell Times was told by the public relations company initially tasked with flagging up the closure last year that it knew nothing about the shutdown and would be unable to help any further.

However, some were more forthcoming including MSP Stephanie Callaghan who discovered that the plant had shut after reading an article from Dundee-based newspaper The Courier. This explained that a buyout would save the Abroath operation but that no such deal could be struck in Uddingston.

Ms Callaghan said: “I’m bitterly disappointed by the news that the Dawnfresh site in Uddingston will be closing with immediate effect, resulting in 200 redundancies.

“I am also extremely disappointed to hear this news via newspaper reports.As the MSP for the Uddingston and Bellshill constituency I have been working to facilitate dialogue and encourage interested parties to come forward. I am aware that one party has expressed an interest and made an offer to take over the site and save all the jobs. I will continue to work proactively with others to fight for those affected by this closure and support a successful takeover of this crucial operation.

“If any constituents require more information please don’t hesitate to contact me via email: [email protected].”

It has also been reported that Callum Carmichael, partner at administrators FRP Advisory, said that the business “has been unable to overcome very serious financial problems at the Uddingston facility”.

It was also reported that 77 staff are being retained to assist the joint administrators with the winding up process.

North Lanarkshire Council is joining forces with South Lanarkshire Council and Skills Development Scotland through the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment programme, to offer support to staff.