2 Sisters to create 250 jobs in funding boost

The development would double the cutting capacity in its portions department and fit its aims to make supply chains shorter and more efficient, cutting waste and logistics and distribution costs, the company said. It forms part of wider investment in its poultry processing operations across the UK. Earlier this month the business announced aims to create 300 jobs and 20 apprenticeships at its Devon poultry processing hub​​.

The cash investment would consist of £3.5m of its own money, topped up by funding from the Scottish Government-backed Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme. The financial package would be used to buy new processing equipment and help develop existing staff as well as hiring new workers.

‘Shorter supply chain’​

“We are committed to providing fresh, quality produce to our customers and creating a shorter supply chain enables us to do just that,”​ said Keith Packer, managing director, 2 Sisters UK Poultry.

“We have always said we will invest when it is the right thing to do for the business, but the timing and conditions have to be right. This is a great example of that.​

“I am delighted that we have secured the support from the Scottish Government as this represents security and growth for our business and local community in Perthshire.”​

New jobs​

The new jobs will be created across all levels and departments, ranging from production operatives to technical management, in addition to two new engineering apprenticeship positions.

HR and recruitment teams would be working with a number of organisations to fill the vacancies, including local job centres and also through a partnership with Skills Development Scotland, the business said.

The Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme is funded through the Scottish Rural Development Programme.