Scottish Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced the grant from the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation (FPMC) Grant Scheme during a visit to Bartlett’s plant in Airdrie.
The funding will allow the company to diversify into the convenience and chilled potato market, helping to create 35 new jobs.
The award will contribute to a £17 million investment in a major building extension and installation of new processing equipment to facilitate the introduction of new product lines.
Ewing said: “This award will help Albert Bartlett diversify their products, move into new markets, create new jobs and safeguard existing posts. Today’s £4 million announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to help food and drink companies, large and small, take their businesses to the next level while building on our reputation as a land of food and drink.”
Mark Murray, managing director of Albert Bartlett’s added value business, added: “We are grateful for this grant from the Scottish government, which is essential in allowing the company to diversify into the growing convenience and chilled potato market.
“Our development into this exciting new area will create 35 new jobs and safeguard 50 more here in Airdrie, in addition to providing security for our partners working in the entire supply chain, not least our dedicated group of potato growers. When the plant is operational, it will process 50,000 tonnes of potatoes per year, around 90% of which will be grown in Scotland.”
This is the largest award since the scheme launched in May 2015.
IMAGE CREDIT: Scotsann on Morguefile.com
