A New Daw for Dundee: Wilkie’s Investment Revives Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc

In a significant boost for Dundee’s economy, advanced textiles manufacturer Wilkie has stepped in as the major sharehauder o the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP). This move is set tae restore nearly aw the jobs lost whan the Michelin tire factory closed its doors in 2020, a closure that saw 850 warkers laid aff. Wi an investment o up tae £50 million, Wilkie plans tae triple its warkforce at MSIP tae 600, addin tae the nearly 200 staff awready employed at the site.

The Scottish Government has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Follaein the factory’s closure, ministers warked tirelessly tae retain the site as an economic hub. They forged a pairtnership wi Michelin, Dundee City Cooncil, an Scottish Enterprise, whit collectively invested awmaist £50 million tae create the Parc. Syne its inception, MSIP has blossomed intae a centre for innovation an skills, hoosin 16 tenant companies an providin a nurturin environment for new businesses.

Durin a recent visit tae the Parc, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes expressed her optimism. “Whan Michelin closed the doors on its tyre factory, the Scottish Government promised tae reinvest in the site’s economic future,” she stated. Forbes pynted oot the importance o Wilkie’s Scottish heritage an its commitment tae sustainable innovation. She noted that MSIP has evolved fae a mere idea intae a thrivin business community, connectin industry leaders wi academia for tae foster greener economic growth.

The MSIP features an Innovation Hub an Labs, alangside a Skills Academy led by Dundee an Angus College. It has supported 53 new businesses throu its Innovator Accelerator programme, creatin ower 80 jobs in the process. Wilkie’s relocation fae Kirriemuir, whaur it currently employs aroond 200 warkers, signals a bricht future for the Parc. The company has emphasised that its existin warkforce will be integral tae its success, wi transport arrangements in place tae facilitate commutes tae Dundee.

Scottish Enterprise will remain a minority sharehauder, collaboratin wi Wilkie tae ensure the continued success o the Parc. As this transition unfaulds, the Scottish Government is committed tae supportin baith the warkforce an the wider community, ensurin that the legacy o the Michelin factory evolves intae a beacon o innovation an opportunity for Dundee.