Tokheim looking to expand Bro’ty factory

PLANS have been revealed that could see 300 new jobs brought to Dundee.

Manufacturing giant Tokheim has confirmed tentative proposals are in place to expand its manufacturing site in Broughty Ferry, which bosses believe could result in the need for 300 extra staff.

Tokheim, which specialises in fuel dispenser manufacturing, has lodged a planning application with the city council to expand its HQ at West Pitkerro Industrial Estate.

The proposals include creating a 400-space car park for the potential increase. Earlier this year, it was revealed the factory was set to benefit from a £1.5 million investment for the development of a state-of-the-art fuel dispenser.

Tokheim general manager Ken Scobie has now confirmed “speculative” steps have been taken.

He said: “We are on the limits of what our building can cope with. If we go further then we have to expand.

“This will be based on gaining market share and pulling on new markets. If an opportunity presents itself, we will have to move quickly and we want to be ready.

“There is no firm commitment for 300 extra jobs.

“They key thing is that this is a speculative thing we are doing.”

West Pitkerro is US-owned Tokheim’s only production site in Europe.

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alison Henderson welcomed the news and said she believed any new openings that may occur would offer recently made redundant manufacturing staff fresh opportunities. She said: “This is very positive. A very successful manufacturing company is looking at investing in the city and it wouldn’t be doing so if it wasn’t for access to people and talent.”