Dundee’s beleaguered manufacturing industry received a welcome boost with a company announcing a £3 million expansion plan to create 100 jobs and more than double the size of its operation.
The JTC Furniture Group’s proposals will rejuvenate the former Timex factory in Harrison Road, which in its heyday employed more than a thousand people.
The move has been welcomed, with Alan Mitchell, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, saying, “This is a major vote of confidence for the future prospects of Dundee.”
JTC have submitted a planning application that would add 160,000 square feet to the headquarters premises as part of a programme to increase manufacturing of products for the private housing market.
The expansion will safeguard the existing 360 jobs and create a further 100 posts when the new facilities are in full production.
Dougal Chalmers, chairman of JTC Furniture Group, said, “Further to our success in the health, education and accommodation markets, JTC Furniture Group are returning to their roots and launching a new range of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture.
“We are creating a new state-of-the-art showroom that will allow us to showcase our new range of products, which will service the anticipated upswing in the housing development market.
“We are committed to this £3 million development as we are confident we can capture a large section of the private housing market.”
The company have identified expansion in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture market in which they have gained experience, and are confident they can capture a sizeable part of that trade.
Chamber of Commerce chief Alan Mitchell said, “It is really positive and encouraging that JTC have ambitious plans to grow their business.
“They are taking steps to make this happen and we wish them great success.”
He added, “This is a vote of confidence in the future prospects of Dundee…The fact that they are wanting to expand the former Timex factory is really good news.
“It indicates the growth potential in the city is there, and over time we hope that lots of premises lying vacant or empty will be filled with thriving new businesses.”
These may be in different sectors from what the buildings were used for in the past, but he said the JTC development raised hopes that others may follow where the furniture manufacturers have led.