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 e major sharehaader o the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP). Iss move is set tae restore nearly aa e jobs lost fan e Michelin tire factory closed its doors in 2020, a closure aat 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 aaready employed at e site.

E Scottish Government has played a pivotal role in iss transformation. Follaein e factory’s closure, ministers warked tirelessly tae retain e site as an economic hub. They forged a partnership wi Michelin, Dundee City Cooncil, an Scottish Enterprise, fit collectively invested aamaist £50 million tae create the Parc. Syne its inception, MSIP has blossomed intil a center 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. “Fan Michelin closed e doors on its tyre factory, e Scottish Government promised tae reinvest in e site’s economic future,” she stated. Forbes pynted oot e importance o Wilkie’s Scottish heritage an its commitment tae sustainable innovation. She noted aat MSIP has evolved fae a mere idea intil a thrivin business community, connectin industry leaders wi academia for tae foster greener economic growth.

E 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 e process. Wilkie’s relocation fae Kirriemuir, faar it currently employs around 200 warkers, signals a bricht future for e Parc. E company has emphasised aat its existin warkforce will be integral tae its success, wi transport arrangements in place for tae facilitate commutes tae Dundee.

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