Work begins on Ayrshire Innovation Park in Kilmarnock
Some of Scotland's best loved food brands could move production.
Food and drink manufacturers are among some of those planning to bring production to a new business park in Kilmarnock.
Construction on the 32-acre site is beginning and all three local authorities across Ayrshire are working together to deliver over £270m of investment to the area.
Councillor Douglas Reid is the leader of East Ayrshire Council and said: “This is a big day not only for Kilmarnock, but Ayrshire as a whole as it represents a major milestone for the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
“Our long-term ambitions for the Ayrshire Growth Deal aim to attract new businesses, support the expansion of existing companies, create more jobs and bring new opportunities to the area and I’m confident that Ayrshire Innovation Park will achieve this and more.
The construction phase is expected to create 245 jobs locally and a further 280 jobs are expected following the work in the food, drink and engineering sectors.
One of Scotland's best known food brands, McGhee's Bakers, is set to move production to the new site.
Group Managing Director Gordon McGhee said: "We've had a few false starts before this and I am hopeful we will be operating at the Innovation Park within two and a half years."
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