£1million boost for chemical sciences firm

MORE than 70 jobs have been secured, and further roles created, at a Dumfries manufacturing plant, with a grant to support innovation.

DuPont Teijin Films (DTF) will increase their manufacturing capabilities with the £967,955 Scottish Enterprise funding.

Scottish Government Minister for Business Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, announced the award during a visit to the factory, which makes polymer film for use in industrial packaging, as well as healthcare, alternative energy, durable media, electronics, electrical insulation and capacitors.

The Minister said:

“Manufacturing is at the heart of our economy and research and development are key to boosting both innovation and the sector’s productivity and competiveness. So this award of close to £1 million to a key employer in Dumfries not only provides a boost to those workers who will see their jobs secured, but also benefits the wider economy of the South of Scotland and Scotland as a whole.

“Scotland has a thriving chemical sciences community and is widely recognised for the distinctive capabilities of our business base and research institutions, our international reputation and the potential for significant growth and the creation of high value jobs.

“DTF is a graduate-based business with a firm commitment to youth employment, and this grant is a strong indicator of the significance the Scottish Government places on both support for innovation to grow Scotland’s economy and on developing Scotland’s STEM subject specialisms.”

Moray Mackenzie, operations & site manager at DTF’s Dumfries site, said: “We welcome this R&D grant from Scottish Enterprise which has been key in helping secure an important investment for the Dumfries site. This will introduce new polymer and film capabilities to the site to support the development and manufacture of innovative films targeted at meeting the needs of hi-tech speciality markets across Europe and the USA”.

Silvio Clemente, head of company growth at Scottish Enterprise, said: “With our support, DuPont Teijin’s R&D investment will see further development of its existing production lines and the development of new product opportunities.  We wish the team every success with this latest R&D project and we’ll continuing to work with the company as it strengthens its local presence in Dumfries and explores international business opportunities for growth.”

BACKGROUND

• DTF Dumfries manufactures polyester based films that are used worldwide by designers, engineers, manufacturers and various other end-users. The polyester films are used in a wide range of applications and sectors such as healthcare, alternative energy, durable media, electronics, packaging, electrical insulation and capacitors.
• Dupont Teijins Films (UK) Ltd exports 70% of turnover and operates a strong programme of innovation.