Jamie Hepburn, minister for business, fair work and skills, visited Halley Stevensons Ltd in Dundee to learn of the textile firm’s plans to invest £1m in new equipment to produce sustainable fabric supported by a £300k Scottish Enterprise Regional Selective Assistance grant.

The expansion will be the largest capital project that Halley Stevensons has undertaken since the current owners purchased the business 19 years ago and will allow the firm to develop new products from recycled materials and plant-based waxes.

The investment will safeguard 26 existing positions and create four new jobs as the company invests in new equipment at its site in Dundee.

The funding will support the installation of a new fabric drier and water-efficient dyeing equipment in addition to coating technology to improve the manufacturing process.

Jamie Hepburn said: “Not only will this grant support jobs at Halley Stevensons and carry on the textile firm’s legacy, it will also allow them to purchase new equipment to create sustainable products which are in demand globally. It’s crucial we continue to invest in our industry, which is exactly what we’re doing through the £65 million National Manufacturing Institute Scotland which will support the business to innovate, expand and diversify.”

Anke Heggie, head of business support services at Scottish Enterprise, added: “It is fantastic to see a company with such a rich heritage enter an exciting period of expansion. Halley Stevensons continues to create innovative textiles in Dundee that are used across the UK and globally by major brands and its ambition to create products from sustainable sources such as recycled cotton and environmentally friendly wax is exemplary.

“It is vital that companies embrace new ideas in consideration of climate change and this is a key principle of Scottish Enterprise in supporting a sustainable and prosperous economy.”

James Campbell, managing director of Halley Stevensons, commented: “Product development is the life-blood of our business and this investment will allow us to continue the good progress we have made so far and challenge ourselves to make new sustainable products. Technology is evolving at a rapid rate and sustainable manufacturing requires the latest equipment to improve efficiency.

“Environmental responsibility is at the forefront of our latest developments and products. We use raw materials and processes that are largely biodegradable and sustainable/low impact. The new machinery planned will allow us to develop improved new products that last a lifetime.”