A Perthshire poultry plant has secured nearly £1.4 million of Scottish Government cash for a major factory expansion, creating more than 250 jobs.
The 2 Sisters Food Group is planning an upgrade of its Coupar Angus site.
It follows the closure of the company’s Cambuslang plant earlier this year, with the loss of 450 posts.
The Scottish Government confirmed the new facility is one of 11 projects to be awarded a share of £3.59 million from the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation (FPMC) grant scheme.
Two Sisters is investing £3.5m into the £5m Coupar Angus venture. Bosses want to develop more efficient, shorter supply chains which will ultimately cut down on food waste, as well as logistical and distribution costs.
They said the investment will secure the site’s long-term future.
Managing director Keith Packer said: “We are committed to providing fresh, quality produce to our customers and creating a shorter supply chain enables us to do just that.
“We have always said we will invest when it is the right thing to do for the business, but the timing and conditions have to be right. This is a great example of that.”
He said: “I am delighted that we have secured the support from the Scottish Government as this represents security and growth for our business and the local community in Perthshire.”
The new jobs will be created across all levels and departments, ranging from production operatives to technical management in addition to two new engineering apprenticeship positions.
A recruitment drive with Skills Development Scotland will be launched in the coming weeks.
HR manager at Coupar Angus, Nicola Ballantyne said: “It is fantastic for the site and community, we are looking forward to expanding and offering local people jobs.”
Other local firms to benefit from the Scottish Government cash pot include fruit specialists Peter Marshall and Co, of Alyth.
The money will be used to upgrade the company’s building to create a new processing facility.
Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We are doing everything we can to support Scotland’s successful food and drink industry, which continues to go from strength to strength.
“Our long-term ambition is to double the industry’s value to £30 billion in the next 12 years.”
