AN investment of nearly £1 million in a Dumfries manufacturing plant is set to secure 70 jobs and create more roles.
DuPont Teijin Films (DTF) will increase their manufacturing capabilities with the £967,955 Scottish Enterprise funding.
Scottish Government Minister for Business Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, announced the award during a visit to the factory, which makes polymer film for use in industrial packaging.
He said the investment would be a boost for staff on the site and also for the wider economy and described DTF as a “key employer in Dumfries.”
“Manufacturing is at the heart of our economy and research and development are key to boosting both innovation and the sector’s productivity and competiveness.
“So this award of close to £1 million to a key employer in Dumfries not only provides a boost to those workers who will see their jobs secured, but also benefits the wider economy of the South of Scotland and Scotland as a whole.
DTF Dumfries manufactures polyester based films that are used worldwide by designers, engineers, manufacturers and various other end-users.
Wheelhouse added: “Scotland has a thriving chemical sciences community and is widely recognised for the distinctive capabilities of our business base and research institutions, our international reputation and the potential for significant growth and the creation of high value jobs.
“DTF is a graduate-based business with a firm commitment to youth employment.
“This grant is a strong indicator of the significance the Scottish Government places on both support for innovation to grow Scotland’s economy and on developing Scotland’s STEM subject specialisms.”
Moray Mackenzie, operations & site manager at DTF’s Dumfries site, said the funding boost is a key investment for the company.
“We welcome this R&D grant from Scottish Enterprise which has been key in helping secure an important investment for the Dumfries site.
“This will introduce new polymer and film capabilities to the site to support the development and manufacture of innovative films targeted at meeting the needs of hi-tech speciality markets across Europe and the USA”.
Silvio Clemente, head of company growth at Scottish Enterprise, said: “With our support, DuPont Teijin’s R&D investment will see further development of its existing production lines and the development of new product opportunities.
“We wish the team every success with this latest R&D project and we’ll continuing to work with the company as it strengthens its local presence in Dumfries and explores international business opportunities for growth.”
DTF Dumfries polyester films are used in a wide range of applications and sectors such as healthcare, alternative energy, durable media, electronics, packaging, electrical insulation and capacitors.
DTF (UK) Ltd exports 70 per cent of turnover and operates a strong programme of innovation.
It has a global reach with its European manufacturing sites based in Dumfries and Luxembourg, and its Global Innovation Centre located in Teesside.
DTF was established in 2000 as a global joint venture combining the polyester film interests of two leading chemical companies DuPont and Teijin Limited.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here