Investment plans for whisky firm

The plants in Paisley and Dumbarton will expand

A leading whisky firm has revealed plans for a £4.75m expansion at two of its bottling plants.

Chivas Brothers will expand the plants at Paisley and Dumbarton as part of its ongoing investment programme.

The company said the investment will increase capacity and improve efficiency at both locations.

Paisley-based Chivas Brothers currently employs about 1,600 staff across 31 sites in Scotland and has another two sites in London.

Christian Porta, chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers, said: "This investment demonstrates our commitment to developing our facilities and our people, in line with our ambition to become the leading producer of premium Scotch whisky and premium gin."

The new project is being supported by a Regional Selective Assistance Grant of £950,000 from the Scottish Executive.

Martin Togneri, chief executive of Scottish Development International, said Scotch whisky was now sold in over 200 countries worldwide and was one of the UK's top five manufactured exports.

He added: "As in any industry, stimulating and being able to supply demand is critical. Chivas Brothers investment in Scotland, demonstrates its commitment to improving its operations and competitiveness on the world market and is very good news.

"I wish the company and its workforce every success with the project and for the future."