A new meat processing facility in the north east has received an unexpected £4million boost from the Scottish Government.
Scotbeef Inverurie is a joint venture between ANM Group and Scotland’s largest meat processing company, J.W. Galloway, and is building a new £17million abattoir on the extension approved at Thainstone Business Park.
The £4million cash award is one of the largest Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grants ever to have been awarded.
On a visit yesterday to the firm’s existing facility in Inverurie, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced that Scotbeef would receive the grant.
Mr Ewing said: “Food and drink is one of the success stories in Scotland and Aberdeen Angus beef is also a success for the north east.
“The Scottish Government is delighted to award this £4million grant and it demonstrates our continued commitment to help food and drink companies – large and small – take their businesses to the next level.
“Scotland’s beef is world-renowned for its high quality. The new facility will be a welcome boost for the local work force and also the farmers.
“This award will allow Scotbeef to move to new premises on the outskirts of Inverurie – safeguarding jobs and allowing the company to offer a vital service to Scotland’s livestock producers, but particularly those in the north east.”
The award will contribute to a £17million investment to fund a new abattoir and meat processing facility on the town’s outskirts with work expected to begin next month.
Scotbeef managing director Robbie Galloway hopes to create up to 30 new jobs and double weekly capacity once the new plant opens.
He said: “The grant was unexpected, but very welcome. We are delighted the Scottish Government has agreed to support us in the construction of our new abattoir.
“As a fourth generation family company, with quality Scottish meat products at its heart, we are extremely pleased this exciting development will secure the future of meat processing in the North East of Scotland for many years to come.
“It will provide security for the farmer producers who supply us and our skilled local workforce.”
The new facility is expected to be completed next summer.