Factory hit by chemicals scare

The Hillington factory makes aviation parts

An investigation is under way after an incident involving chemicals at the Rolls-Royce plant in Glasgow.

Thirteen workers were taken to hospital for observation following a chemical reaction in a process tank.

Another 19 received on-site medical assessment at the factory in Hillington, which makes aviation components.

None of the employees was said to be in a life-threatening condition.

A company spokesman said the site had returned to normal operation and there had been no risk to the public.

Wartime factory

"There is no danger to the local community in and around the Hillington complex and this incident is now officially closed," he added.

The Hillington plant is more than 60 years old and was built during WWII as a factory for Merlin engines, which powered Battle of Britain Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Rolls-Royce is to move to a new £85m aerospace component manufacturing centre at Inchinnan, near Glasgow Airport.

Employees and equipment will be transferred from Hillington between 2003 and 2005.