PRODUCTION has started at a newly built factory in Dumfries, which has created hundreds of new jobs.
Alpha Solway has begun making melt-blown polypropylene, the virus filtering material used in its FFP2 and IIR facemasks, at their new site on the Gilnockie Business Park.
The firm, part of the Globus Group, launched the new £12m factory in just ten months after it was awarded a unique £4.8 million public-private investment partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
Work started on the ground-breaking factory last summer, cementing the long-term future of manufacturing in the region and supporting the local community.
And it has resulted in over 300 new positions.
The onshore production of this critical filter layer will ensure a reliable and resilient supply chain of PPE from Globus Group’s multiple sites across Britain and Europe.
Alpha Solway director Steven Binnie said: “Our customers continue to need a fast, resilient supply of PPE and launching this new facility is an important next step in our strategy to accelerate the access to vital products.
“We’re committed to continuing to support the healthcare sector as well as helping our economies recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.
“We’re focussed on constantly improving and evolving our manufacturing processes by launching pioneering products and services and the opening of this new factory is a key step in enabling our ongoing sustainability strategy.”
Professor Russel Griggs OBE, chair of SOSE added: “We are delighted that Alpha Solway have been able to launch their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dumfries.
“The £4.8million support package SOSE provided the business last year demonstrates our commitment to secure the long-term future of manufacturing in the South of Scotland.
“It is great to see that our funding has been so effective in helping the organisation grow the number of employment opportunities available in the region significantly.”
