UK Government urged to step in and save 120 jobs at Scottish Volvo site
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) confirmed this week that it will close its site in Rokbak, Motherwell, citing rising operational costs, combined with global trade challenges, including U.S. tariffs, making the business “unsustainable”.
In a statement, the firm said that for more than four decades, Rokbak, formerly Terex Trucks, had “proudly delivered” off-highway articulated haulers to customers worldwide, but added it anticipates that up to 120 jobs could be lost following the site's closure.
Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE, confirmed the closure is expected to be concluded by July to September 2026.
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SNP MSP Stephanie Callaghan has written to both the Scottish and UK Governments urging them to step in and provide support for those who may lose their jobs.
“While Volvo has cited global pressures, it is clear that UK-level factors have also contributed to the challenges facing this site,” she said.
“Trade barriers affecting UK exports, including tariffs on UK-built machinery, have undermined competitiveness in key markets. Post-Brexit supply chain friction has increased costs and reduced reliability for manufacturers that rely on EU components.
“At the same time, high industrial energy prices continue to place UK manufacturers at a disadvantage compared with their European counterparts, all while increases in National Insurance contributions have imposed significant additional financial pressure.”
Callaghan went on to say the “structural issues” have left businesses such as Rokbak “exposed” at a time when stability and a long-term industrial strategy are urgently needed.
She added: “The Labour UK Government must listen to industries across Scotland that are struggling with rising costs, trade tariffs, and sky-high energy bills. Time and again, Scotland’s industries are paying the highest price for these failures.
“Ensuring that Scotland’s businesses can operate on a level playing field is vital if we are to protect jobs and strengthen our manufacturing capabilities. That level playing field will remain out of reach while we are outside the EU and while Scotland’s heavy industries continue to be let down in broken, post-Brexit Britain.”
Callaghan concluded by asking the UK Government to set out what immediate support it will provide to affected workers.
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She said: “I ask that you provide assurance that the UK Government has engaged with Volvo, trade unions and employees at the site and is doing all it can to provide support to workers, but also to explore all possible options to keep the plant open.”
Callaghan added she wanted to know what steps the UK Government will take to address the “wider policy environment” that is putting pressure on the UK’s manufacturing industry.
“Communities like Motherwell cannot continue to absorb the consequences of decisions made without sufficient regard for their economic impact,” she said.
Jernberg previously said that the Motherwell facility will continue as a hub for designing and manufacturing Volvo rigid haulers and will drive development of future product lines.
