One of Perthshire’s largest employers has announced a major jobs boost.
The 2 Sisters Food Group has expanded its cutting operation at its chicken processing site in Coupar Angus, creating 150 new jobs.
Taking the workforce in the Perthshire town to 720, it will enable them to supply more retail packed chicken portions that are reared, processed and packed in Scotland.
Russell Allan, the general manager at Coupar Angus, said it was an expression of confidence by the company in the facility and its workforce.
“We’ve seen significant investment in the site since 2 Sisters bought it, upgrading the chill line and changing the production lay out,” he said.
“The expansion of the cutting operation is great news for the whole team at Coupar Angus and recognises the commitment and dedication of our loyal colleagues.”
Peter Judge, operations director at UK Poultry added: “This is an exciting time for the team at Coupar Angus and if the current expansion is successful then there is the scope for further growth.
“2 Sisters is in the midst of a multi-million pound programme to transform how poultry is processed in the UK.”
The job creation, and the promise of possible further expansion in the future along with extra jobs, was welcomed by local MSP John Swinney who said it was “excellent news”.
“I am delighted that 150 new jobs will be created in Coupar Angus,” said the MSP for Perthshire North.
“The opportunity for people to find work, locally, is very important and I am pleased that these jobs are coming to this area as part of an investment by the 2 Sisters Food Group.
“News of this job creation is, on top of Castle Water’s 100 job expansion this time last year, is an excellent advert for the area.
“It clearly shows that Perthshire North is a good place for inward investment and a good place to do business.”
The deputy first minister said the Coupar Angus plant was “vital” to local employment.
The workforce has fluctuated over the years but the company say a strong demand for chicken is helping to protect the plant’s future.
