More than 180 jobs are being cut at the Rolls Royce plant in Inchinnan and 70 jobs are under threat at Steel Engineering, in Renfrew, as the company is poised to go into liquidation.

The news comes as a major blow to local workers who are said to have been left 'reeling’ at the shock and are now fearing for their futures.

The cuts at Inchinnan follow an announcement by the firm last November that 2,600 jobs would be cut worldwide over an 18-month period as part of restructuring of its aerospace division.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Steel Engineering, on Renfrew's Porterfield Road, could be closed down over problems with cash flow and failing orders.

Apprentices from the firm famously welded the date of the referendum on a sign two years ago when the vote was announced.

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay, whose constituency includes the Inchinnan plant, said: “I am very disappointed to learn of the potential job losses at Steel Engineering Limited in Renfrew. This will be an anxious time for employees and their families and my thoughts are with those affected.

“The Scottish Government is in contact with the company to provide support for affected employees through their initiative for responding to redundancy situations Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE). Through providing skills development and employability support, PACE aims to minimise the time those people affected by redundancy are out of work.” “I understand Rolls-Royce Inchinnan has said the majority of the staff reductions have been achieved via voluntary severance, redeployment and through movement of people.

“I am reassured the Scottish Government and enterprise agencies will continue to work closely with Rolls-Royce to ensure all possible support is given to secure further work and safeguard jobs.

“I trust people will receive all possible support and that Rolls-Royce will have a long-term future in its Renfrewshire base, which is now well established.” A spokeswoman for Rolls Royce said: “We have identified a requirement to reduce the headcount at our Inchinnan manufacturing facilities by approximately 90 during 2015 and 97 during 2016. We have also identified a requirement to reduce the headcount at our East Kilbride facility by 31 during 2015.

“It is never an easy decision to propose reductions in our workforce and we will look to meet this requirement by voluntary means wherever possible. We will also explore all mitigation including redeployment to other sites and are offering full support to employees who are impacted by the changes.” Steel Engineering is the largest steel fabricator in the west of Scotland and it has been in business for 92 years.

A spokesperson for for Renfrewshire firm was unavailable for comment as The Gazette went to press.

Commenting on the news from Steel Engineering, Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: “The company has downsized in recent times but this latest news is a real blow. Steel Engineering is an example of a traditional engineering company which diversified and carved out a particular niche in energy and renewables. Renfrewshire Council is ready to join with partners to help the workers affected and also to explore every option to see if any jobs can be saved through different ownership.” He added that Rolls Royce should put in place a 'clear programme’ to maximise the commitment of what is a skilled and experienced workforce.

“It is essential that everything is done for the workers directly affected by this decision and also, in the longer term, that assurances are given for the future operation of the plant,” Cllr Macmillan said. "There have been several redundancy programmes in recent years. Now we want to see the company end any further uncertainty.”