Published on:
02
July 2009
Reacting to Diageo's restructuring plans, which will see a new coopering centre being created at Cambus, Councillor Eddie Carrick, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability, said; "I have every sympathy for the individuals affected by job cuts elsewhere in Scotland, but I am delighted at this investment in Clackmannanshire and the faith shown in the local workforce."
Diageo's announcement yesterday follows a major review looking at how the premium drinks company can best ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations in Scotland in the current economic conditions. Up to 900 jobs will be cut over the next two years while 400 new jobs will be created through the expansion of a packaging plant in Fife.
A new £9 million cooperage is to be built at the existing site at Cambus by summer 2011. Carsebridge Cooperage will close and the 40 workers will transfer to the new site at Cambus. A total of about 70 employees will be based at Cambus, including some relocated workers from the Dundashill Cooperage in Glasgow.
Councillor Carrick added: "Clackmannanshire has an excellent long-standing relationship with Diageo and I believe the quality of the local workforce is a major factor in our ability to attract this investment - my congratulations go to them. Their hard work has been rewarded."
Diageo is one of Clackmannanshire's major employers with a cooperage at Carsebridge, Abercrombie coppersmith workshop in Alloa, and a European Technical Centre and Archive at Menstrie. The bond at Blackgrange is the largest warehouse complex in Europe, holding approximately three million casks. And the Cambus complex is a major spirit handling centre, taking spirit from distilleries across Scotland and blending the matured whisky before its despatch to packaging plants.