Jobs boost for Coupar Angus

Aug 6 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

BIG county politicians have united in welcoming a 150-jobs boost for Coupar Angus.

Vion Foods, which already employs 600 workers at its east Perthshire chicken processing plant, has unveiled plans to create a further 150 posts, making it one of the county’s biggest employers.

In the past, the factory has survived speculation that it was lined-up for the axe but, two years ago, the Dutch-based Vion Group acquired it from Grampian Foods in a £400 million deal.

The new jobs follow a multi-million-pound investment programme which included the installation of a new finished packing line at Coupar Angus.

Andrew Fisher, Vion regional director for Scotland, said: “This is the reward for the tremendous efforts not only of the team at Coupar Angus but through the wider supply chain.”

MSP John Swinney and MP Pete Wishart were joined by MSP Murdo Fraser in hailing the good news story in a time of economic uncertainty.

Mr Swinney said: “The news of 150 new jobs at the Coupar Angus plant is fantastic. The factory is the biggest employer in the area and I hope that this announcement cements the company's commitment to Coupar Angus.

“The factory has experienced highs and lows in the past and I am delighted to see a further high. At a time when we are seeing job losses elsewhere, it is good news to see local job creation.”

Mr Wishart added: “This is extremely good news and I am delighted to hear of such a significant jobs boost for the area. When a town's biggest employer is growing jobs, it is good news for the whole area.”

Mr Fraser said: “This proves that Vion view its Coupar Angus staff as amongst the best in the country.”