THE Scottish Government has announced funding for a chemicals firm based at Grangemouth which is set to create dozens of new jobs.
Sygenta, a specialty chemicals manufacturer and agricultural life science company, has been awarded £2.2 million from Scottish Enterprise towards a £14.7m project to expand production at its Grangemouth site.
The company, which specialises in crop protection and seed breeding, said the project would create 38 new jobs and safeguard 14 existing roles at Grangemouth. Sygenta currently employs more than 370 people at the site.
Sygenta is part of the Grangemouth industrial cluster, which is also where the Petroineos oil refinery officially ceased processing crude oil last month.
On Thursday, the Scottish Government also announced that 82 enquiries about investing in the future of Grangemouth have been confirmed through Project Willow, which in March spelled out nine of the best routes forward.
A statement said: “Scottish Enterprise is dealing with enquiries from interested parties, including potential investors, across sectors highlighted in the report, as well as others connected to manufacturing activities carried out across the wider cluster.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes made the announcements during a visit to the company on Thursday.
Commenting, Forbes said: “Syngenta’s expansion at Grangemouth is great news and I am grateful to the company for its significant contribution to the Grangemouth Future Industry Board.
“This reflects our vision for Grangemouth, in encouraging innovative companies to choose the industrial complex for access to a skilled workforce and established infrastructure.”
Scottish Enterprise managing director for innovation and investment, Jane Martin, said: “This latest project from Syngenta is a fantastic example of the type of ambitious, world-leading specialty chemicals innovation we want to see happening here at Grangemouth.
“The entire industrial cluster has a vital role to play in Scotland’s economic future and, in addition to attracting new investment to the site, we’re working closely with companies already based here to ensure Grangemouth remains the best place for them to grow, innovate and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Pete Waddington, head of UK manufacturing at Syngenta, said: “Grangemouth is an important strategic location for Syngenta, and we are keen to further invest into new facilities at the site.
“The specialty chemical cluster is also an asset for Scotland with a skilled workforce, strong logistics position, and proven track record of delivery.
“Syngenta is delighted to be working with Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government to further strengthen our site and the wider cluster.”
