There has been universal support for the massive new investment.
Local SNP MSP Kate Forbes said: “Lochaber could really be at the forefront of an industrial comeback in the Highlands.
“The issues key to this area are roads, rail, more housing, more educational opportunities – and those are things that are precisely on the agenda. If Liberty is to make a success of this development they need more homes for their workforce, a more reliable A82 and rail links – and they need education opportunities to bring skills into the area.”
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “These are going to be well paid jobs. You can’t help but be excited about the ambition for the company and for Lochaber and the Highlands. We’ve had a slow housing market in Lochaber for years. That’s about to change.
“We’re building 120 affordable homes this year, the most for ages. If we’re bringing in a workforce and, more importantly, retaining some of the young people of Lochaber we need more housing and we need it fast. I think we’ll see that coming.”
Lochaber area leader Thomas MacLennan said: “When you think back to where we were a year ago, and where we are now, this is brilliant.”
Highland economist Tony Mackay said: “This is excellent news – and surprising because the car parts will go to factories, elsewhere in England.
“Normally businesses want to locate such manufacturing activities in big urban areas, rather than a remote location like Fort William.
“The Lochaber economy has struggled in recent years, so these new jobs will make a huge difference.”
Charlotte Wright, interim chief executive of development agency HIE, said: “We see here the potential for transforming Lochaber’s economy. There are sectors of the economy here that are low pay, low skilled, and we’ve got the opportunity to develop some more highly skilled and highly paid jobs which will make a big difference.”
Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Nicol believes the investment is significant for the wider Highland economy.
“It introduces a new manufacturing activity and will undoubtedly lead to significant supply-chain opportunities as well as additional highly skilled, well paid job opportunities,” he said.
