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A £23 million new production line at Ahlstrom's Chirnside Plant which will create 30 new jobs and safeguard 180 more was officially opened today (Wednesday) at Chirnside. SNP MSP Christine Grahame welcomed the announcement and said:
“This is great news for the Borders, especially at this time of economic uncertainty and the global financial crisis. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting local businesses and protecting local jobs and it is great to see a Borders business expanding at this time.”
Ahlstrom manufactures speciality paper including tea bags, medical drapes and industrial wipes and exports to over 20 countries on six continents and has more than 6,000 employees worldwide including around 200 at Chirnside.
The investment has been supported by around £1 million from Scottish Enterprise in land remediation assistance and £200,000 in Training Plus funding to assist with a training programme for staff on the new production line.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"Today's opening of this new production line opens vast, global opportunities for Ahlstrom's Borders-based factory. The new technology, the first of its kind in operation in the world, will enable Ahlstrom to harness its competitive edge in manufacturing infusion paper, particularly tea bag paper, for worldwide markets.
"Ahlstrom is clearly committed to the Borders and today's announcement has a direct impact on families and high streets across the region.
"Despite the current economic difficulties, the company has expanded its site, developed and installed new technology and is increasing its workforce by 30, with further job creation expected. As one of the biggest employers in the Borders, the Chirnside Mill is an integral part of the local economy.
"The new technology, the company's eco-friendly and sustainable approach and its future plans to further boost its workforce are very impressive. The new production line has the ability to make enough tea bags in one year to cover the pitch at Hampden Park nearly forty thousand times over!
"The growing success of Ahlstrom is greatly welcomed and I wish all the staff and management the very best in the operation of this new production line."
Michael D.Black, General Manager-Food Product Line of Ahlstrom, said:
"This celebration is the culmination of 5 years of teamwork involving our scientists in R&D, our commercial teams in market development and our engineers in process development."
Jan Lång, President & CEO Ahlstrom Corporation, said:
"This investment demonstrates our commitment to continue developing a sustainable, competitive position"
David Gass, Regional Director, Scottish Enterprise, said:
'We are delighted that Scottish Enterprise has been able to support Ahlstrom in making a significant investment in their new state of the art plant in Chirnside.
"Ahlstrom is a key company in the Scottish Borders, and wider south of Scotland, economy and this investment will secure the future of everyone employed on the site, and bring new jobs to the area. In this current climate, it is reassuring to find a global company with a Scottish location such as Ahlstrom continuing to adopt innovative technology to develop new markets and to keep ahead of the competition."
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