New jobs are being created and existing employment secured by a series of multi-million-pound developments focused around Montrose harbour.
The combined capital investment by Montrose Port Authority and businesses that rely on its facilities represents the biggest financial commitment to ensuring the area will continue to contribute to the local economy.
This week contractors began construction of two new deep-water berths at the harbour’s south side, which will cost £8 million and take a year to complete.
Montrose Port Authority chief executive John Paterson has also confirmed that Openfield will begin work on its £14 million quayside grain store and drying centre in September/October.
Around the same time, on the other side of the estuary, the RNLI will begin construction of a new lifeboat station.
Carr’s Fertilisers, who will be neighbours to the RNLI on the north quay, have started work on the final phase of a five-year redevelopment of the former Chivers food factory site.
Further down the estuary at Cobden Street, W. J. Reid Fertilisers has also invested in its production plant. Both businesses rely on importing most of their raw materials through the port.
Farrans Construction is building the new quays and Mr Paterson said, “Farrans are establishing themselves and a new small village has arisen on the quayside. We are looking forward to working closely with them to ensure the construction is achieved on budget and on time.
“We are building two new deep-water berths with a total length of 220 metres to accommodate vessels with up to an eight-metre draft. It opens up the port facilities for larger ships, new business and, importantly, for existing businesses.”DemolitionWork on the grain store the go-ahead for which was closely linked to the construction of the two new berths should start in September or October.
Carr’s Fertilisers technical director Peter Scott said work had begun on demolishing what remains of the Chivers factory, which was once the major employer in the town.
“It is the third and final phase of our redevelopment of the site,” he said. “We hope to be finished by autumn, when it will be one of the most modern facilities of its type in the country.”
The first phase was the raw materials store, the second the creation of a blending and bagging plant and the third phase involves the demolition of what remains of the old factory and the building of a finished products store.
W. J. Reid recently completed major expansion as part of a four-phase redevelopment.
The first two phases involved new build and a new production facility and the company is now looking to increase capacity and possibly extend its warehousing.
Managing director Ian Ferris said, “There seems to be an air of optimism in the area which gives everyone hope for the future.
“The port and businesses in the area are all injecting extra capital.”
He added, “Montrose has a good harbour and is right in the best agricultural area. Next year will be our 40th anniversary and we hope to stay here for another 40 years.”
The two fertiliser companies employ about 15 people directly and many more indirectly, with the bulk of their raw materials shipped in and much of the finished product exported through the harbour.