Chemicals firm to expand operation

Sep 27 2012

A chemical company is to expand its operations in Scotland, the First Minister has announced.

Alex Salmond said it was "fantastic news" that SAFC was investing in a new powder manufacturing facility at its site in Irvine, Ayrshire.

The move, which is being supported with a £1.5 million regional selective assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise, will create 24 new jobs.

The firm's expansion plans were announced by the First Minister during a visit to Chicago, which will also see him play a key role in the handover ceremony for golf's Ryder Cup as the tournament will be held in Gleneagles in 2014.

Speaking about SAFC's new facility, Mr Salmond said: "This is fantastic news for Scotland, for Ayrshire and for Irvine.

"This expansion to create a new manufacturing facility by SAFC puts Scotland firmly at the centre of this US company's European operations and is a clear signal to world-leading companies that we are open for business."

SAFC, whose parent company is the global firm Sigma Aldrich, manufactures specialty chemicals and biologics for the life science and high technology industries.

The First Minister said: "It is clear that Scotland is a land of major opportunity and we have a long and impressive track record in the chemicals and life sciences sector, developing an environment where ingenuity and innovation can create jobs and wealth.

"This is the clear message I will be sending out to a number of companies with whom I will be meeting during this trade mission in Chicago."

SAFC received a grant of £200,000 from Scottish Enterprise to help towards a multi-million dollar investment in its facilities at the Ayrshire site in 2009.