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 da major sharehaader o da Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP). Dis move is set tae restore nearly aa da jobs lost whin da Michelin tire factory closed its doors in 2020, a closure dat 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 da nearly 200 staff aaready employed at da site.
Da Scottish Government has played a pivotal role in dis transformation. Follaein da factory’s closure, ministers warked tirelessly tae retain da site as an economic hub. Dey forged a partnership wi Michelin, Dundee City Cooncil, an Scottish Enterprise, whit collectively invested aamaist £50 million tae create da Parc. Sin its inception, MSIP has blossomed intae a center for innovation an skills, hoosin 16 tenant companies an providin a nurturin environment for new businesses.
Durin a recent visit tae da Parc, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes expressed her optimism. “Whin Michelin closed da doors on its tyre factory, da Scottish Government promised tae reinvest in da site’s economic future,” she stated. Forbes pynted oot da importance o Wilkie’s Scottish heritage an its commitment tae sustainable innovation. She noted dat MSIP has evolved frae a mere idea intil a thrivin business community, connectin industry leaders wi academia for tae foster greener economic growth.
Da 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 da process. Wilkie’s relocation frae Kirriemuir, whar it currently employs aroond 200 warkers, signals a bricht future for da Parc. Da company has emphasised dat 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 da continued success o da Parc. As dis transition unfolds, da Scottish Government is committed tae supportin baith da warkforce an da wider community, ensurin dat da legacy o da Michelin factory evolves intae a beacon o innovation an opportunity for Dundee.