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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
James Walker

Mortons Rolls restarting production and scores of jobs saved after buyout

MORTONS Rolls will restart production on Sunday after the company was bought out of administration, its new owners have announced.

Up to 250 jobs were feared to have been lost when the popular baker, based in Glasgow’s Drumchapel area, collapsed on 3 March.  

About 110 workers are being recalled to work immediately. Though, it has said it intends to grow this number if support can be found.

Production is scheduled to resume on Sunday, which will “bring Glasgow’s most-loved morning roll back to life”, Mortons said.

A few days earlier, a cryptic message was posted on the company's website and social media pages that read "Nae rolls? Watch this space."

Mortons were bought out by investors PVL after talks with HMRC, administrators and the Scottish Government. The company is known for its crispy rolls and its fleet of “We built this city on Mortons Rolls” vehicles.

PVL said it is confident it can turn the company’s fortunes around and provide further jobs “in the short, medium to long term if the right support is available”.

The National: Mortons Rolls will restart production after a buyoutMortons Rolls will restart production after a buyout

The firm's spokesman John McIlvogue said while the business is “undoubtedly viable”, the factory itself is “antiquated and in need of a serious overhaul”.

He added: “That’s where we need the help of the Scottish Government and its agencies, something we are hopeful we can iron out in the coming weeks.”

Founded by Bob Morton and Jim Clarke in 1965, generations of Glaswegians have enjoyed Mortons products.

Many swear it is the best roll to pair with bacon or fried square sausage, though this is a matter of much debate.

Commenting on the news of production restarting, McIlvogue added: “This is a bittersweet moment for me, for the people who work here and for the wider community that relies on the jobs this factory provides.

“None of us wanted the past couple of weeks to unfold in the way that they have, but it has been entirely outwith our control.

“The important thing now is that Mortons is back in action, we’ve got the workforce back on the production line, and we’re ready to start producing our famous rolls that the good people of Glasgow have been crying out for.”

Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, who supported the takeover negotiations, said: “It is with a sense of relief that after almost two weeks of intense, detailed discussions, production will now restart at Mortons Rolls and over 100 jobs have been saved.

“These circumstances are by no means perfect, and there is still work to be done to make sure Mortons is a sustainable business that can thrive for generations to come.

“There is a commitment from the Government to make sure they do everything in their power to make sure that is the case, and I will do everything in my power to hold them to that commitment.”

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