The company that makes Gore-Tex have officially opened their newly refurbished fabrics plant in West Lothian.

A £5m investment has gone towards the new design, which will see energy consumption reduced by almost 25% through recycling the heat generated at the production area.

WL Gore and Associates have said the Kirkton Campus refurbishment reflected the facility's importance to the business as a whole.

The company makes protective fabrics for the consumer, military, emergency services and workwear sectors and employs 220 people at its plant.

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The original facility was opened in 1984 by then prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

It has been designed to reduce energy consumption by almost 25%, with heat generated in the production area being recycled throughout the building.

Justin King, manufacturing leader of the plant, said: "The Kirkton Campus facility was ahead of its time when it was built 28 years ago and has played a key role in our European business strategy.

"The teams that work here ensure we make products of the highest quality and are constantly developing new solutions for our customers and end users.

"The investment in the plant reflects its importance to our business and ensures that its legacy of quality and innovation will continue for many years to come."

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing paid tribute to the company's skills and workforce.

"For over 30 years, Gore has made a substantial contribution to Scotland's economy and now employs approximately 500 people in research, development and manufacturing roles," he said.

(IT)