AMAZON is proposing to close its warehouse in Gourock with the loss of around 300 local jobs.
A spokesman for the online retail giant has said the firm has launched consultations over the closure of three UK warehouses, including its base in Inverclyde.
Employees were told on Monday by management of a consultation on the planned closure of the site in Faulds Park.
The warehouse opened in 2004 and Amazon remains one of the largest employers in the area.
Inverclyde's MP Ronnie Cowan described the news as a "serious blow" for the region and will be seeking urgent talks with the firm.
He said in a statement: "This news from Amazon is a serious blow to Gourock, Inverclyde and Scotland.
"Amongst the number crunching we must remember that 300 families are affected by this decision.
"They will be under enormous strain and we must do whatever we can to help them find gainful employment and help them through a very difficult time.
"I am seeking urgent talks with Amazon over its decision to close its operation.
My initial thoughts on the proposed closure of the Amazon fulfilment centre in Gourock. Amongst the number crunching we must remember that 300 families are affected by this decision pic.twitter.com/V8Y259WrrO
— Ronnie Cowan MP (@ronniecowan) January 10, 2023
"On the global scale of Amazon's business, I am at a loss as to how this will benefit the company going forward.
"It goes without saying that in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis this will come as a hammer blow to the staff and their families."
It is understood that all workers at the sites will be offered roles at other Amazon locations but the company has acknowledged there will be "limited" opportunities in Scotland.
Cowan said Amazon had told him it will try to redeploy workers but had given "no firm commitments" in his view.
The SNP MP said he wants to see both the UK and Scottish Government intervene to see what measures can be taken over the planned shutdown.
Sites in Hemel Hempstead and Doncaster in England have also been proposed for closure.
Amazon has also revealed plans for two new major fulfilment centres south of the border which will create 2500 jobs over the next three years.
A spokesman for the company said: “We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers.
“As part of that effort, we may close older sites, enhance existing facilities or open new sites, and we’ve launched a consultation on the proposed closure of three fulfilment centres in 2023.
“We also plan to open two new fulfilment centres creating 2500 new jobs over the next three years.
“All employees affected by site closure consultations will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other facilities and we remain committed to our customers, employees and communities across the UK.”
