Hope for Pinneys
THE Scottish salmon plant Pinneys, shut by Young’s Seafood last year, is set to reopen this autumn after being bought by a Russian company.
More than 100 jobs are set to be created at the factory in Annan, with potentially more in the future, the Scottish government has announced.
The factory in Dumfries and Galloway has been bought by food processing company Bhagat Holdings, with an investment of £9 million in the site.
The closure of the factory saw the loss of some 450 jobs and various potential buyers, including nearby St James Smokehouse, had shown an interest in taking over the business.
The Scottish government came under pressure to rescue the firm and now has stepped in through the quango Scottish Enterprise, with a £1.7 million Regional Selective Assistance grant.
The grant will help the Russian company expand its European interests in Scotland.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: ‘This is great news for the people of Annan, and for the south of Scotland more generally.
‘I’m delighted that an international company like Bhagat Holdings has chosen to invest in Scotland, with the immediate creation of a significant number of jobs, which will make a real difference to local people and the local economy.’
Scottish Secretary David Mundell, whose constituency includes Annan, said: ‘The reopening of the former Pinneys factory and creation of 120 jobs is very welcome news for Annan and the surrounding area.
‘Pinneys’ closure last year hit hard. I saw first-hand the tremendous efforts partners, workers and the whole community made to try and save the site.
‘I welcome Bhagat Holdings Limited’s arrival and plans to start production in the autumn – with the prospect of even more jobs being created in the future.’