SCOTTISH LIBERAL Democrat leader Nicol Stephen was in Arbroath yesterday on a fact-finding tour of one of Angus’s major manufacturing success stories.

The MSP dropped in at Mackays jam and preserve factory in James Chalmers Road, accompanied by Councillor David May.

The pair were shown round the modern plant that has become the firm’s new home, having outgrown its original site in Carnoustie.

Mr Stephen, who has family connections in Carnoustie, said he was aware of the company’s heritage but that this was his first opportunity to visit the firm.

“I was very impressed by what I saw,” said Mr Stephen.

“Mackays are quite right to be proud because they have a series of first-class products.

“They are a local company with firm roots in this area but have grown to enjoy international success.”

Councillor May said that the Lib Dem leader was equally interested to hear of plans to expand the business.

“The visit gave Nicol the opportunity to see just how great the expansion of this business has been in the last 10 years or so,” said Mr May.

“It really is up there as one of Angus’s biggest success stories. We were very happy to hear that the firm is considering the possibility of expanding even further at the site in Arbroath.

“This not only includes their manufacturing capability, but also their new visitor centre which it is hoped will develop to provide guided tours eventually.”

Mackays began as a family-based concern making preserves and marmalades in 1938.

In 2004 the firm received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise which recognised the business as having demonstrated “exceptional growth” within the overseas market.

It has gone from strength to strength since taking ownership of the former Weatherford building at Kirkton industrial estate in Arbroath in October 2006.

Mackays has added a factory shop alongside its main manufacturing plant.