A dedicated task force has been set up after a US firm announced plans to close its Scots factory, putting almost 400 workers' jobs at risk.

Employees at the Texas Instruments (TI) plant in Greenock, Inverclyde, were called into a meeting with bosses from the US on Wednesday afternoon.

The plant, which was formerly owned by National Semiconductor before it merged with TI in September 2011, employs 365 workers and is one of the biggest employers in Inverclyde.

Workers were told on Wednesday afternoon that the factory will close and operations moved to Germany, Japan and Maine, US.

The leader of Inverclyde Council branded the announcement "a stunning blow to the Scottish economy" and said a task force is being set up to help employees.

He said the same action must be taken which helped save the Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow from closure last year.

Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe said: "This announcement requires a significant response from local and national agencies.

"I am announcing the setting up of a dedicated task force and will be extending an invitation to the Scottish Government, their national agencies, local councillors in the area, our regional and constituency MSPs and our MP.

"It is time to once again stand shoulder to shoulder, as we did over the highly successful Fergusons task force, and secure a future for this skilled workforce."

STV News understands bosses at Texas Instruments considered upgrading or expanding the facility but decided the factory would be far less efficient than its other bases across Europe and globally.

TI will try to sell the Greenock factory. Management have now drafted in a firm that specialises in selling manufacturing properties, to help with this.

It is understood job losses relating to the closure of the factory will not happen before late 2017.

Local MP Ronnie Cowan said: "Over the next few days it will become clear what is happening, speculation and grand gestures at this stage do not help anyone.

"Having been made redundant myself once I am firm in my belief that the employees need the facts and the time to consider their situation. When I can help I shall be at their disposal.

"Above all we must look into the future options for this plant to allow this workforce and manufacturing to stay in Inverclyde".

Business minister Fergus Ewing said: "I am disappointed Texas Instruments is looking to close its Greenock manufacturing site. This is a blow to the local community and will be a very anxious time for employees and their families.

"The Scottish Government has been in touch with Texas Instruments and we will continue to work closely with the company to do all we can to secure a long-term future for the 365 jobs and manufacturing at the site. In addition Scottish Enterprise is seeking an urgent meeting with local management.

"Should any redundancies proceed, the Scottish Government’s PACE initiative stands ready to support any affected employees.

"Through providing skills development and employability support, PACE aims to minimise the time that individuals affected by redundancy are out of work."

Mr McCabe added: "We must also work together to ensure that national resource makes its way to Greenock to achieve that endeavour. I will also be seeking an urgent meeting with top level management at Texas Instruments.

"In Inverclyde, our business sector is resilient and our skills base strong, which is the reason companies like Texas Instruments have made this their home for over 40 years."