‘Lifeline’ factory to offer veterans work
New Erskine hub will be unveiled next year
Veterans can put their crafting skills to use at a “lifeline” factory when it opens next year.
S c o t l a n d’s Bravest Manufacturing Company will make rail and road signs, provide print and mail services, and woodcraft from its base at Erskine home for ex-serviceman.
The firm will employ 40 workers after research revealed those leaving the armed forces are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as civilians.
Steve Sherry, chief executive of Royal British Legion Industries is heading the factory development.
The brigadier, who had a 28-year military career, which culminated with a senior role in Pakistan, said: “The company will be based on The ex-servicemen will be working in a factory making road signs and doing woodcraft a tried and tested, commercially competitive, but also socially proactive business model.
“It will ensure a positive and rewarding environment for the Scottish veterans who will work in the factory.
“This, when coupled with the full wrap- around welfare and residential support provided in partnership with Erskine, will offer a lifeline to hundreds of Scottish veterans who have found themselves in difficulty following their return to civvy street.
“We know from extensive stakeholder engagement that there is an immense hunger within the military communities of Glasgow and the surrounding areas for skillbased employability initiatives for veterans.”
The business is expected to open in June and will invest 100 per cent of its profits back into the company.
Cash will be used to provide more opportunities for veterans and to purchase state-of-the-art industrial equipment.
It will offer part- time and full- time roles, tailored to each ex-serviceman, many of whom face significant challenges due to life-changing physical or mental disabilities as a result of service.
Erskine is extending the services it provides and will support staff in accessing community social facilities and accommodation near the factory on its Bishopton estate.
A new activity centre will provide a venue to meet and learn new skills, while five new assisted living apartments are being built.
Plans for homes for single veterans and 10 new family homes are underway, in addition to the existing 44 cottages on the estate.
The cause says these will help support 200 veterans and transform the estate, creating a mixed community, a hub for support, and increased independence for former forces staff.
Steve Conway, Erskine’s chief executive, says a 2015 study found more support was needed for ex-servicemen.
He said: “This is one of several initiatives Erskine is taking forward to extend the services it provides to veterans.
“It will see a true Veterans Village being established with accommodation, employment, an activity centre and our well-known care homes being available on the same site.
“We very much look forward to seeing Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company not only become a leading social enterprise, but provide vital employment opportunities to our nation’s veterans.” CALL FOR MORE 0903 658 2009 SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 CALL FOR MORE 0903 658 2010 OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22