Alex Salmond announced today the development of a new manufacturing facility for a global US company in Scotland.

The First Minister revealed life-science and technology company Sigma Aldrich will be expanding its Scottish operations by investing in the development of a new powder manufacturing facility on its Irvine site.

The expansion will be undertaken by SAFC, one of four business divisions that comprise the Sigma-Aldrich Corporation.

The news came at the beginning of a visit to Chicago as Mr Salmond seeks investment to bolster the economy under his SNP government. The visit will include a number of meetings with key business leaders, as well as the First Minister’s taking part in the handover ceremony of golf’s Ryder Cup.

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The First Minister confirmed the new facility will be used to service customers across Europe and will create 24 new jobs.

A £1.5 m Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise is being offered up to support the new project.

Mr Salmond said the development was "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."

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:

"SAFC is a major employer and this latest investment will anchor their operations here in Scotland.

"By working with inward investors like SAFC and its parent company, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation – at the corporate level through Scottish Development International in the US, as well as locally through our teams on the ground in Scotland – we can ensure they grow their presence in Scotland once they’re operational with this expansion."

(IT)