Plans for 250 new Lothian jobs hailed

plans for 250 new jobs at Hall’s of Broxburn have been welcomed as a boost for the Lothian economy.

Dutch parent company Vion announced it was investing £20 million to create a “centre of excellence” at the factory, which already employs 1000 permanent staff and up to 700 seasonal workers in the run-up to Christmas.

The jobs boost follows a decision to concentrate the group’s sausage production in Broxburn and close its Sheffield factory, with the loss of around 200 jobs.

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Cash support of nearly £1.5m is being provided by Scottish Enterprise and a further £500,000 from Skills Development Scotland.

The new jobs will include 100 modern apprenticeship places as butchers, engineers, production operatives and technical staff.

First Minister Alex Salmond said Vion’s decision was a vote of confidence in the Scottish workforce and Scotland’s economic future. He said: “This announcement is hugely important for the Lothian economy, marvellous for West Lothian and Broxburn. It’s exactly the sort of investment we want to encourage.”

Linlithgow SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop said she was delighted.