More than 100 jobs under threat at military safety gear factory
Gentex produces safety equipment like helmets, headsets, visors and oxygen masks for the military, law enforcement and other industries.
The factory has a long history in the town, where it was previously owned by Top Tek, which manufactured helmets for Kangol.
From 1983, it was operated by Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd (HISL) before being acquired by Gentex in 2014.
The news was broken to staff at Stranraer and Letchworth earlier.
Andrew Wilde, senior director of operations at Gentex, said: “Our long-term European growth opportunities and customer needs are outpacing our current UK facilities, so we have conducted a detailed review into how we grow our operations.”
He said they proposed consolidating their UK activities at Haydock, subject to a formal consultation process.
He added: “If the proposal proceeds, this would result in the closure of our Stranraer facility and changes at Letchworth, with a number of roles at risk of redundancy. The proposed transition would take place in phases over the next two years.
“We know how hard this news is for our colleagues in the UK and their families, and it’s no reflection on them or their work. We’re committed to protecting the pay of eligible affected employees through at least the end of 2027.”
