£15.9m expansion for Scotstoun site

Glasgow-based axle manufacturer Albion Automotive is to invest £15.9 million in its Scotstoun site which will create and safeguard 278 jobs, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.

The First Minister previously met Bill Smith of Albion Automotive parent group, American Axle & Manufacturing, two years ago while leading a trade mission to Chicago during the 2012 Ryder Cup.

At the time, the First Minister welcomed the announcement of a new manufacturing and engineering centre of excellence in Glasgow, supporting approximately 80 jobs in Scotstoun.

Meeting Albion Automotive during his 2014 Ryder Cup business programme, the First Minister said:

“As the transportation landscape changes and new technologies are introduced we want Albion Automotive to remain cutting-edge with competitors around the globe. We value Albion Automotive’s continued investment in Scotland, and the company is in a unique position to expand production and improve efficiencies at its large Scoutstoun site.

“Today’s announcement shows the continued confidence in the Scottish work-force by large international companies such as Albion Automotive. We continue to work with the company to identify opportunities to assist the Scotstoun site to expand market share, penetrate new markets, and develop new technologies to continue this positive growth trajectory.

“The Ernst & Young Attractiveness Survey which showed that foreign investment to Scotland in 2013 reached its highest level since 1997, increasing at a higher rate than the UK as whole. The survey also described Scotland’s performance in attracting inward investment as ‘sparkling’ and Albion Automotive’s announcement is further evidence of this success.”

AAM Europe Glasgow Plant Manager Brian MacLeod said:

“It continues to be a pleasure for the AAM team to work with Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise in obtaining support for new business in Scotland.

“With continued local Scottish support like this, AAM can profitably grow our business in Glasgow.”

Lena Wilson, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise, said:

“I am delighted that Albion Automotives have recognised the importance of investing in business efficiency. By considering the impacts of sustainability, resource efficiency, waste management and energy efficiency, companies can improve production techniques, reduce their costs, enable innovation and increase their international activities.”