Pallet and packaging firm Scott Group is to create a new “centre of excellence” for manufacturing at Burntisland following a multi-million-pound commitment made alongside port operator Forth Ports.
The partners said they would invest an initial £2.5 million to redevelop a six-acre quayside site turning an existing industrial unit by the Firth of Forth into a “bespoke” new factory.
The move will help Scott retain 48 jobs after space pressures at its site in Rosyth forced the firm to look elsewhere for the room it needs to expand.
The investment has been given the green light after planning permission was granted by Fife Council.
The plan has also attracted a regional selective assistance grant of £250,000 from business development agency Scottish Enterprise.
Scott Pallets managing director Alan Gibson said he was “delighted” to announce the imminent relocation, with works expected to be completed by September.
“We were founded in Scotland over 25 years ago and maintaining our heritage as a Scottish business is vital,” he said.
“We recently restructured our management team at Scott Pallets and confirmed plans for reinvestment in the business to facilitate our continued growth, increasing employment and supporting our customers meet their environmental objectives.
“This move allows us to lay down our long-term plans for creating a centre of excellence for timber pallet manufacturing, and we look forward to seeing the impact and results of our plans.”
Ground works, which will include upgrades to the local electricity supply and road infrastructure, are already under way.
But Fife Council has now given the nod for the refurbishment of the existing factory building, including the installation of specialist equipment and the creation of new external hard standing. Further works will also see modification of the east quayside to allow import of timber by sea.
Forth Ports divisional director Stuart Wallace said the company look forward to helping “reinvigorate” the Port of Burntisland.
“This investment with our partners, Scott Group, will secure important jobs for Fife, create a vital hub for their business and bring economic benefit to the local community,” he said.
“We have worked with Scott Group for many years and we look forward to a successful partnership at Burntisland.
“Work on the warehouse at the port will begin immediately and we hope to see Scott Pallets fully operational by early September.”
Scott Group, which has its headquarters at Halbeath by Dunfermline, was founded in 1987, and has grown to become the UK’s biggest pallet supplier and a major name in the packaging, tools, work wear and corporate clothing markets.
It employs around 1,000 people across 27 UK sites and boasts a turnover in the region of £120m.
Scottish Enterprise business support director Eleanor Taylor said the body would continue to support the firm.
“This grant will help the Scott Group achieve its strategic plan for the business and we will continue to work with the company as it moves forward with its growth plans,” she said.