Minister pays a visit to plant

Leading wood processor EGGER ( UK) Limited welcomed Scotland’s Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell last week to mark 20 years of production at its Ayrshire plant.

EGGER’s Barony factory in Auchinleck is East Ayrshire’s largest manufacturing employer and was purpose built by the EGGER Group in 1998. It employs over 130 people making high- quality products for homes from chipboard and operates for 24 hours every day of the year.

Mr Russell’s visit follows two Open Days at the site Saturday 16 and Sunday 17, designed to allow the local community to find out more about EGGER and its Auchinleck plant - and to celebrate 20 years of production at the site.

Heiko Lichtblau, EGGER production/ technical director for the site said: “The Minister’s visit is a perfect opportunity to showcase our facilities and the investments that have taken place over the last 20 years.”

Mr Russell said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting this country’s flourishing forestry and wood processing sector, including modern manufacturing plants like EGGER in Auchinleck.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “Our area has a proud tradition of manufacturing and Egger at Auchinleck has been a key part of that over the last 20 years. We recognise the huge contribution they make to the local area and wish them every success for the future as they plan future investments in East Ayrshire.”

Meanwhile, representatives from EGGER’s plant in Auchinleck travelled to Westminster on June 13 to champion the contribution of one of the UK’s largest manufacturing industries.

They attended an event hosted by The Wood Panel Industries Federation ( WPIF) to mark the reconstitution of the All- Party Parliamentary Group ( APPG) for the Wood Panel Industry, and the launch of an expert working group for the sector.

EGGER apprentices Jordan Pegg and Connie Moore met with politicians including Stephen Kerr, MP for Stirling. Mr Kerr is the newly appointed chair of the APPG and the working group.