Minister supports post box company Machan

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A MINISTER has intervened in the row over the continued manufacture of red post boxes in Scotland, claiming it was vital future orders be maintained.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said he was trying to arrange meetings with the firm responsible for placing orders for the post boxes, which have been made solely in Scotland for more than a century.

He said it was vital that Romec, which is largely owned by Royal Mail, got around the table with Stirlingshire-based Machan Engineering to preserve both jobs and the tradition of manufacturing the boxes.

Machan Engineering, the only manufacturer of the various types of Royal Mail post boxes since the 1980s, has had no orders for more than a month for the first time in its history.

It comes as new stainless steel models are now rolling off Romec's production lines in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

Machan managing director Lisa MacDonald said since making public the threat to the group she has been overwhelmed with support from across Britain but is still no clearer if there will be any orders soon.

Amongst those contacting her have been Mr Matheson, who is also the local MSP. He said: "It is really important that these iconic red pillar boxes, which have been manufactured in Denny for 30 years, continue to get made here. I have had discussions with Machan Engineering and am trying to have dialogue with Romec. It is vital that Romec agree to getting round the table with Machan and see if future orders can be maintained."