2 SISTERS FOOD GROUP has received a £1m grant from the Scottish Government to upgrade equipment at its Coupar Angus processing plant.
East Lothian Eggs Ltd was also awarded grant funding as part of the same scheme – just under £54,000 towards the cost of new egg packing equipment, a forklift truck and pallet trolley.
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The money was a share of a £5m pot from the Scottish Government aimed at improving infrastructure, buying new equipment or upgrading or replacing facilities in food businesses.
The 2 Sisters project cost £5.1m in total, while new equipment for East Lothian Eggs Ltd will cost just under £135,000.
It delivered a range of improvements to the poultry processing facility, including a spiral freezer and plant room, equipment and infrastructure to support the production of value-added meal ingredients.
External improvements to the site and roof upgrades to cover all production areas at Coupar Angus were also undertaken.
This was the ninth round of the Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation scheme.
In total, 30 businesses will receive grants, which are expected to help safeguard almost 1,400 jobs and create 97 new ones.
Effective food supply chain
Announcing the funding, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has underlined the importance of a strong and effective food supply chain and an increased consumer desire for locally produced food.
“This support will enable established producers and businesses across Scotland look to the future and capitalise on emerging marketing opportunities, as well as offer support to start-up businesses.”
“This scheme uses joint Scottish Government and European Union funding to give local businesses a helping hand, helping to ensure the long-term viability of our primary producers.
“Investing in local producers is an important step to help sustain and create employment opportunities within our rural communities.”
