Confirmation that the UK’s largest leather manufacturer will open a new facility in Renfrewshire is being hailed as ‘the first step’ in ambitious growth plans to add more than 9000 jobs to the local economy by 2030.
Scottish Leather Group employ more than 800 people at its Bridge of Weir, Paisley and Glasgow sites and have confirmed they are opening a new Paisley hub by autumn 2020, creating 100 skilled jobs to provide high-end car seat upholstery.
This comes as Renfrewshire business leaders set out the strategy to grow the local economy and seize on £1.4billion being invested in infrastructure, innovation and skills across the region.
Around 100 guests gathered at Abbey Mill Business Centre for the official launch of Renfrewshire’s Economic Strategy 2020-2030.
Its development has been led by the Renfrewshire’s Economic Leadership Panel, which draws together leaders from across the private and public sector, Renfrewshire Chamber, enterprise agencies and education and skills experts.
Alongside the jobs pledge, the strategy aims to increase GVA by £400million a year and expand Renfrewshire’s manufacturing sector by 30%.
Plans are also in place to grow the working age population by 5000 people and reduce economic inactivity by 15%, bringing 3000 local people into the workforce, while Renfrewshire businesses will benefit from actions to reduce skills gaps and shortages.
Derek Mackay, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work said: “Scotland is an attractive place to do business with. The fact that we have a skilled workforce and companies like Scottish Leather Group expanding their operations is testament to this. I welcome the publication of Renfrewshire’s Economic Strategy which will help develop the local economy further.”
Scottish Leather Group Director James Lang, Chair of Renfrewshire’s Economic Leadership Panel, said: “Renfrewshire offers the perfect environment for businesses to flourish and we are delighted to be expanding our Renfrewshire operation further with this important new facility in Paisley.
“These jobs are an important first step in our ambitions for Renfrewshire. Renfrewshire’s Economic Strategy is the culmination of close partnership working between the private and public sector and achieving its ambitious aims will require our continued collaboration, drive and passion.”
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “I am confident we will deliver a thriving Renfrewshire and we are already making great progress. Guided by this strategy and through the private and public sector working together, we will achieve a strong and inclusive economy, bringing more people into work with more secure earnings and greater earning power.”
