2 Sisters to expand Scottish poultry plant
2 Sisters Food Group has announced a multi-million-pound expansion plan at its chicken processing plant at Cambuslang, near Glasgow, creating up to 180 new jobs.
The move follows an agreement with all employees at the plant to change shift patterns and move to a seven-days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day operation, starting from mid-February.
As a result, 2 Sisters has revealed details of its plan to build a new 11,000sq ft extension to its plant, acquired as part of the Vion takeover last year, which will house two high-volume ovens, spiral chillers and freezers, plus a general refurbishment of the current site.
The Cambuslang factory handles “added value” poultry lines for 2 Sisters – namely roasted and coated chicken products such as breaded and seasoned chicken. The new extension will add up to 50% to capacity.
“We’re delighted to have come to an agreement with the unions and extended our working hours at the factory,” said Olivier Goudineau, managing director of 2 Sisters added value poultry. “This has unlocked the expansion plan and in turn means we can take on 180 additional colleagues.
“A lot of hard work has gone into realising this opportunity and it’s a great example of working together to achieve our aims. I hope this expansion signals the beginning of further investment in the Scottish poultry industry.”
Rutherglen and Cambuslang MSP James Kelly said he welcomed the creation of new jobs in his constituency. “The Cambuslang plant is already one of the biggest employers in the area and I will continue to work alongside the 2 Sisters Food Group and others on this very exciting project for the local area.”
In June last year the Scottish government agreed to provide financial assistance to 2 Sisters, though this was conditional on maintaining employment at the Cambuslang plant, which currently employs about 400 people.
The development is good news for the Scottish poultry sector, which is still reeling from 2 Sisters’ announcement last November that it was selling off its Letham slaughtering plant, and downsizing at Coupar Angus by one-third, leading to the laying off of staff and the termination of contracts with some broiler growers.
But the company has since revealed that it is to retain free-range and organic production at Coupar Angus, and has already signed new contracts with a number of broiler growers.