Sigma-Aldrich to invest in new Scottish facility

Sigma-Aldrich has announced that it will be investing in a new powder manufacturing facility in Scotland as it seeks to expand its presence in the country.

The company's SAFC division will be creating the new facility at its site in Irvine to act as a back-up to its existing powder manufacturing capabilities, thus strengthening its risk management programme.

Creating 24 jobs, the establishment of the new centre will also allow SAFC to better serve its client base across Europe, with the project being supported by a 1.5 million pound Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.

First minister Alex Salmond and Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson have also met with representatives of Sigma-Aldrich in Chicago to discuss further options to grow its Scottish operations.

Gilles Cottier, president at SAFC, said: "The liquid facility investment at Irvine was a significant move for SAFC as part of our strategy to support our key European biopharmaceutical accounts."

Last month, the company announced the appointment of veteran businessman Michael Marberry to its board of directors, thus bolstering the expertise of its corporate leadership.