Tasty £5m investment saves Burtons jobs

EDINBURGH Pentlands Conservative MSP David McLetchie has welcomed the announcement by Burton Foods of a major investment in its Sighthill factory, securing the jobs of more than 600 permanent and 250 agency staff.

The move follows a review of the firm's plants across the UK.

Mr McLetchie said: "This is great news for the Sighthill workers as well as a huge relief because when Burtons announced this review in October there was a possibility that Sighthill could be closed or seriously run down.

"In the course of the review I met with Burtons' management and the GMB trade union, which represents many of the staff. Scottish Enterprise has also been involved in making the case for continued production at Edinburgh. I am delighted that our collective efforts have proved successful."

The 5 million investment in the Edinburgh site, which primarily manufactures shortbread, will retain the entire workforce and see the installation of a state-of-the-art production line to develop "world-class" facilities.

Neil Grocock, chief supply chain officer, said the "forseeable" long-term future of the factory was secure, but added that it was premature to envisage new jobs after the cash boost.