£25m Investment For Whisky Bottling Plant

A US firm is to invest £25m in a whisky bottling plant in Alloa.

The company, Owens-Illinois Inc, is thought to be spending £230m on the upgrading of its European operations.

Some 600 jobs will be safeguarded as a result of the investment, while facilities at the Clackmannanshire site will also be improved.

The fund also includes a £3.9m grant from Scottish Enterprise.


Welcoming the news, First Minister Alex Salmond is quoted by the BBC as saying: "Owens-Illinois are illustrating their long-term commitment to Alloa, and to Scotland, which has been cemented by this multi-million pound investment.

"Not only will the new technology installed in the plant greatly assist the Scottish drinks industry, it will also allow the company to produce 100% Scottish products."

Erik Bouts, President of Owens-Illinois Europe, added: "We have upgraded Alloa's design, new product development, glass colour and decoration facilities.

"We would like to thank Scottish Enterprise for its support in strengthening our ability to service the developing needs of the spirits industry in Scotland."

(JP/MH)