Contact lenses manufacturer Bausch & Lomb are to cut 500 jobs in Scotland.

Contact lenses manufacturer Bausch & Lomb is set to consolidate its production operations, putting 500 Scottish jobs in West Lothian at risk.

The American eye health company announced on Friday (4 September) its intent to downsize its manufacturing operations as a cost-cutting measure.

Bausch & Lomb aims to withdraw production from its plant in Livingston, Scotland during 2010/11 and move the work to existing sites in Ireland and the US. Approximately 500 workers at the Scottish plant will lose their jobs on a staggered basis through the next 14 to 18 months.

The Livingston plant in West Lothian currently manufactures SofLens daily disposable contact lenses for worldwide distribution.

Gerald M. Ostrov, Chairman and CEO, said: “Considering our growth plans, in the coming years, we believe it’s better to focus our resources and attention on just two primary contact lens plants, freeing cash for reinvestment into the business.

“We recognise the significant impact to our Livingston employees, their families and the community, and note this is by no means a reflection on our employees’ professionalism, dedication, or efforts.”

Mr Ostrov also said that every measure would be taken to ensure all needs and concerns of the employees are addressed.

The consolidation of production operations is hoped to save the company hundreds of millions of dollars.