Andrew Muirhead & Son welcome Scotland's First Minister
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Mackay were given a tour of the Dunn Street factory, by Muirhead Managing Director, Colin Wade, where they witnessed best practice manufacturing of modern seating leathers destined for the world’s major airlines, rail and coach operators and furniture manufacturers and met some of the workforce including apprentices from the company’s Academy which is facilitated by the parent company, Scottish Leather Group Limited.
The visit coincides with Scottish Leather Group’s plan to expand production at all three sites in the west of Scotland and has started with the acquisition of the adjoining property to the Muirhead factory. The £10 million investment being made over the next three years is required to increase capacity to meet demand for its products from customers at home and abroad.
Recent investment in technology, innovation and staff at Muirhead include the development of digital print technology, an unrivalled new product for aircraft interior rigid structures, a new state of the art dynamic testing laboratory and the establishment of the Group’s Apprenticeship Academy.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Andrew Muirhead is a remarkable success story with over 175 years of history behind it and a bright future ahead for its staff.
“The £10 million investment plan being announced by the Scottish Leather Group today is testament to the company’s desire to add to its global reputation for quality and find new markets for the product that’s made here in Dalmarnock and at other sites in the West of Scotland.
“Our economic strategy promotes and supports internationalisation, investment and innovation and Andrew Muirhead has achieved a great deal in these areas in recent years, investing in an apprenticeship academy and a new testing laboratory. I wish everyone here all the best for the future.”
Colin Wade, Muirhead Managing Director, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Scotland’s First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance to Dalmarnock Leather Works. It’s a rare opportunity to showcase world class leather manufacturing from Andrew Muirhead & Son Limited, one of Glasgow’s longest-established companies.”
