Potato processing firm Albert Bartlett has secured a £4 million grant from the Scottish Government to expand into new markets and increase its manufacturing capacity.

The Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation (FPMC) funding, the largest ever grant issued under the initiative, will contribute towards a £17m investment by the firm into a major building extension, as well as the installation of new processing equipment to facilitate the introduction of new product lines.


Overall, the funding will allow the company to diversify into the growing convenience and chilled potato market, creating 35 new jobs.

Announcing the award during a visit to the firm's plant in Airdrie, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "This award will help Albert Bartlett diversify their products, move into new markets, create new jobs and safeguard existing posts. Today's £4 million announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to help food and drink companies, large and small, take their businesses to the next level while building on our reputation as a land of food and drink."

Mark Murray, Managing Director of Albert Bartlett's added value business, said: "We are grateful for this grant from the Scottish Government, which is essential in allowing the company to diversify into the growing convenience and chilled potato market."

(LM)