A Dumfriesshire PPE firm is set to create more than 300 jobs thanks to a multi-million pound investment.
Alpha Solway, which makes personal protective equipment at two sites in the region, has secured £4.8 million worth of funding from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
The money will see a new state-of-the art factory built in Heathhall, Dumfries, along with an expansion of their current facility in Annan.
Alpha Solway director Steven Binnie said: “We’re thrilled and honoured to have been awarded this funding by South of Scotland Enterprise.
“We are totally committed to the Scottish economy and the south of Scotland communities, so our aims have so much in common with SOSE.
“The site will create around 300 sustainable new jobs for the community, driving the local economy forward.
“The announcement of the new facility has cemented our long-term commitment to having 75 per cent of our products made in the UK – as quickly as we could.”
The company said it will invest more than £33 million into the region including a new £12 million factory at the Gilnockie Business Park in Heathhall.
It is hoped the facility will be operational this summer with construction starting later this month.
A second Annan plant will break ground later this year.
Last August Alpha Solway landed a £53 million contract to provide PPE to NHS Scotland which it said would create 200 jobs.
SOSE’s mission is to tackle inequality in the region and boost the local economy.
Professor Russel Griggs OBE, chairman of SOSE, said: “This significant support package demonstrates our commitment to secure the long-term future of manufacturing in the south of Scotland.
“Our vision is to establish the south of Scotland as a centre of opportunity, innovation and growth.
“The establishment of the new manufacturing hub and a centre of excellence for PPE will not only create and sustain many new jobs in the region, but we hope will inspire the south of Scotland to think bigger and more innovatively.
“Ultimately, we hope this investment will secure a Scottish-owned base to manufacture PPE for Scotland, UK and international markets.”
The news of the expansion has also been welcomed by the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This is tremendous news for the south of Scotland economy, creating 300 new jobs and underlining the important role that the manufacture of vital protective equipment can play in our recovery.
“This also demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sectors collaborate to tackle the many challenges caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic.”
Rob Davidson, chairman of the council’s economy and resources committee, said: “This is great news for our region and I welcome this significant funding announcement for our area.
“The fact that these new jobs will be in manufacturing PPE equipment adds to the good news both in the fight against Covid and our collective efforts to restart and rebuild the local economy.”
