Store giants to create 200 jobs
Aldi plan for new freezer facility
Supermarket giants Aldi are to take on up to 200 workers at their West Lothian base in a welcome jobs boost.
The German-owned business will invest £22million building a new 183,000 sq ft chill and freezer facility at their regional headquarters in Bathgate and the new jobs will be based there.
The announcement has been hailed as great news for West Lothian, still reeling after Jabil revealed in March that they were entering into a consultation process with their 260 workers after deciding their plant was unsustainable. Meanwhile, Ethicon said they was closing with the possible loss of 400 jobs and HMRC are also considering relocating their bases in Bathgate and Livingston to Edinburgh.
The Aldi pledge was made at a supplier conference in Glasgow and while no date has been set for work to begin on the new
facility, the company said the development was “imminent”. A spokesman said the jobs would include construction roles during development as well as jobs in the chilled and freezer facility.
Giles Hurley, UK and Ireland group managing director for Aldi, said: “Aldi have led the way with local sourcing and now have a strong reputation for having the best quality Scottish products on shelves.
“Over the coming years, as we increase our range of Scottish products, we expect to grow our market share considerably and attract even more shoppers into stores.”
Cathy Muldoon, executive councillor for development and transport, is delighted for West Lothian. She said: “We welcome Aldi’s decision to expand their regional headquarters in Bathgate with this multi- million pound investment.
“West Lothian’s central location and skilled workforce are very attractive to employers and it’s great to see another firm choose to grow their business here.
“It ’ s a huge vote of confidence in their dedicated West Lothian workforce that Aldi are creating new jobs locally.”