Fibre firm makes £19m investment

Ahlstrom has announced major investment plans in the Borders

A specialist paper and fibre company has announced a £19m investment at its plant in the Scottish Borders.

Ahlstrom is putting the finance into a new production line at its site in Chirnside, near Duns.

The investment will be in "food nonwovens" - including the likes of bags for tea and infusions, which the company said was an expanding market.

The line should be operational by late 2008 with the creation of about 30 jobs at the Borders base.

This is excellent news not only because it demonstrates the company's success in its field, but also because it is a long-term commitment to employment and the local economy in this part of the Borders Euan Robson MSP

"The investment opens up new market opportunities for Ahlstrom," said company president Jukka Moisio.

"The UK and continental Europe still remain the leading tea bag consumers, but demand in emerging markets, such as Russia, India and China is growing fast.

"Organic investments in fast growing product segments are an essential part of our global growth strategy."

Lib Dem MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire Euan Robson said it was a real boost for the area.

"This is excellent news not only because it demonstrates the company's success in its field, but also because it is a long-term commitment to employment and the local economy in this part of the Borders," he said.