Jobs boost as quarry firm A&D Sutherland acquires assets from Caithness Flagstone
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Jobs have been secured in stone following local quarry business A&D Sutherland's acquisition of assets from Caithness Flagstone Ltd.
The deal, which has been six months in the making, came to pass this week with A&D Sutherland's new workforce rising to 35. It also increases the firm's production capacity to 90,000m2 of paving a year, making it the largest supplier of Caithness flagstone products.
A&D Sutherland has recently undertaken paving projects on Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street, at King's Cross in London and at Cambridge University.
Company director Mark Mancini said: "This acquisition means the workforce from Caithness Flagstone have been able to TUPE transfer their jobs over to us.
"The workforce are happy to be back to a full working week and the TUPE transfer guarantees that their years of service with Caithness Flagstone will remain intact with A&D Sutherland.
"For example, if an employee has been at Caithness Flagstone for 20 years, the transfer means they've been with us for 20 years. The TUPE transfer guarantees their pension rights as well.
"We are delighted to announce the acquisition and see this as a major milestone for our company. This move allows us to add another quarry to our operations and double our workforce – ensuring that all previous employees of Caithness Flagstone remain in employment.
"Caithness flagstone is in demand across the world due to its quality, durability and timeless style and we are already seeing interest from the United States, which we hope to capitalise on in coming years, thanks to the new capacity that this acquisition gives us."
We are delighted to announce the acquisition and see this as a major milestone for our company.
North MSP Gail Ross welcomed the move, saying: "I'm delighted that A&D Sutherland is growing and prospering. Its contribution to the rural economy in Caithness is invaluable.
"Caithness flagstone is so important to many in our county, not just as a symbol of Caithness heritage but as an employer and contributor to our community.
"The natural, quality product is unique to our beautiful part of the world and has become world renowned. I wish A&D Sutherland all the best in the future and hope that their business continues to go from strength to strength.”
A&D Sutherland is a family-owned company that was established at Spittal Mains Quarry in 1966.
It produces paving for customers across the UK and the European Union, with plans to expand in to the US market in 2020. Past projects include the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, Edinburgh, the Cutty Sark in London and Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow.
