Gore-Tex producer W.L. Gore & Associates has invested in a new building at its Livingston site in Scotland. According to an STV report today, the environmentally friendly construction of the £5 million building has allowed energy consumption to be reduced by 25%.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing opened the facility on Thursday at the site where the company has been based at since 1984. Gore employs 220 staff there and produces high-performance protective fabrics for consumer, military, emergency services and workwear sectors.

"The Kirkton Campus facility was ahead of its time when it was built 28 years ago and has played a key role in our European business strategy,” Justin King, from W.L. Gore, told STV.

"The teams that work here ensure we make products of the highest quality and are constantly developing new solutions for our customers and end users. The investment in the plant reflects its importance to our business and ensures that its legacy of quality and innovation will continue for many years to come."

Mr Ewing told STV the investment was an endorsement of the quality and skills of the workforce.

"Scotland textiles industry is recognised internationally for the quality and diversity of its products and Gore’s decision to refurbish this facility, first opened in 1984, demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintaining and further developing its presence in Scotland,” Mr Ewing said.

"For over 30 years, Gore has made a substantial contribution to Scotland’s economy and now employs approximately 500 people in research, development and manufacturing roles. I am delighted to open this impressive refurbished site and wish the company every success in the future."

Gore operates three factories in Scotland at Dundee and Livingston.

Source: STV