Funding of £500,000 from a Scottish Government scheme has triggered an ambitious growth plan for a Fife food processing equipment maker.
Tayport-based Foodmek, which manufactures food processing equipment and access platforms to some of the largest food producers in the UK and beyond, secured the money from the Scottish Loan Scheme.
The firm’s strategy aims to double turnover and significantly increase its workforce.
The loan, £300,000 of which comes in the immediate first tranche, will enable Foodmek to invest in new equipment, innovation and additional skilled engineers in its design office and factory operations.
One of the design innovation items enabled by the loan will be to develop a single short filler for display at trade shows, to support Scottish small food manufacturing companies as they expand their operations.
Managing director, Scot Kelly, said: “We are naturally delighted to receive this vote of confidence in the future of Foodmek from the Scottish Loan Scheme.
“When I arrived at the company I was struck by the excellent quality of its staff, many of whom have served it well for decades.
“Our aim is to create a renaissance for Foodmek by forming the new generation of highly-skilled staff using internally-generated cutting-edge research and development to create sector-leading innovation in order to win new customers across existing and new sectors.
“This investment has pressed the start button on this exciting journey.
“Over time we see Foodmek spurring the economy of Tayport and beyond and attracting skilled people to the area.”
The firm was founded in 1971 and now exports to more than 20 countries.
jimillar@thecourier.co.uk