Officials are 'cautiously optimistic' that a buyer can be found for the closure-threatened Texas Instruments plant in Greenock

It has been confirmed that there is still interest in the Larkfield semiconductor factory from potential suitors ahead of an imminent decision on the future of the factory.

The plant is due to shut in June next year in a move which would see the loss of over 300 jobs and more than £30m drained from the Scottish economy.

Following the most recent meeting of the task force set up to try and save the Greenock business, Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe says there is reason for cautious optimism.

Members of the group, including Scottish business minister Jamie Hepburn, were told that a decision on the future of the plant will be made soon and that discussions with interested parties are 'progressing'.

Councillor McCabe, who chairs the task force, said: "We have had a number of enquiries from potential buyers over the past two years but it is encouraging to know there is still continued interest.

"The ultimate aim has always been to find a buyer who will keep the business going but at this late stage we welcome any opportunity that will safeguard jobs and the local economy.

"Anyone taking over Texas Instruments can be guaranteed access to a professional and highly skilled workforce."

It was in 2016 that the company delivered the hammer-blow that it was moving production from Greenock to sites in Germany, Japan and the United States over a three year period.

The Larkfield plant was later given a six-month extension with a revised closure date of June 2019.

The country's minister for business, fair work and skills is optimistic a buyer can be found.

Mr Hepburn said: "The Scottish Government and our agencies continue to work with the task force and Texas Instruments to achieve the best possible outcome for the plant, its workforce and the local economy.

"We remain hopeful that a buyer will be found."

The task force also includes Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan, constituency and regional MSPs, local councillors and representatives from agencies such as Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Skills Development Scotland, and the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions.