Forty new Wick jobs is 'fantastic news' says Caithness business leader
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A CAITHNESS business leader this week said the creation of up to 40 jobs at a Wick-based company is "fantastic news" and "a real vote of confidence" in the area's future.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, was speaking after it was announced that Ashley Ann is to expand its operations with a £2 million investment in its manufacturing base.
There will be an increase output and capacity and it is expected to result in up to 40 new jobs being created in Wick.
The company, which designs and manufactures kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, employs about 160 staff at present and has eight showrooms throughout Scotland, including Thurso, Inverness, Aberdeen, Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The expansion is likely to increase the firm's turnover by almost £10 million. The company secured up to £400,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of its latest investment.
Ms Morris said: "The creation of a significant number of new jobs in the north Highlands is fantastic news, and this investment marks a real vote of confidence in the region’s future by both Ashley Ann and HIE.
"As the largest private employer in Caithness, Ashley Ann is already a major contributor to the area’s success, and this investment will only strengthen the company and the region in the long term. It is also good to see a facility like the old glass factory, which had long been unoccupied and significantly derelict, being transformed by the company as part of its growth strategy.
"This news is particularly positive given that the latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator shows a generally negative outlook for manufacturing across Scotland. It is great to see the north Highlands bucking this nationwide trend and showing real growth in this important sector."
Caithness civic leader Willie Mackay is also delighted by the company's expansion plans.
"This is wonderful news for the county," Councillor Mackay said. "The importance of job security is vital for the 160 employees and the prospect of up to a further 40 skilled jobs is a tremendous boost for the firm."
Stephen Bremner, chairman of the family-run business, said: "We’re already the largest private employer in Caithness, so the additional increase in our workforce is a strong demonstration of our commitment to the region’s economy."
