£250k boost for new whisky distillery in Caithness
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
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Commercial laundry firm, MacKleeners, has installed a new industrial iron to increase capacity, productivity and service quality.
Aiming to be a leader in environmental practice, the company has also installed a new laundry specific recycling system, enabling around a third of consumed water to be recycled back into the main wash cycle.
This environmental commitment has also seen the installation of a £45,000 contracted soap dispensing system allowing the use of fully biodegradable, non-biological chemicals which curtail water usage by a further 25%.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) alongside The Highland Council’s Business Gateway and Highland Opportunity loan fund, worked collaboratively with the business to secure a package of financial support for the upgrade.
Elaine Jones, business development account manager at HIE in Lochaber, said:
“MacKleeners is an important part of the supply chain for the growing tourism, food and drink and manufacturing sectors, not just in Lochaber but further afield. The firm has grown steadily over the years, providing valuable services and local employment. There is now a real opportunity to unlock further growth potential and increase the company’s customer base and create more jobs. This is a very welcome move by the firm and we are delighted to be able to provide support, along with Business Gateway and Highland Opportunity.”
Robin Jackson, investment manager of The Highland Council and of Highland Opportunity (Investments) Ltd commented:
“THC is pleased to see the success to date of Mackleeners and that our support of both finance and advice and guidance through Business Gateway is helping to cement the company within the community and support their growth plans. THC and Business Gateway Highland looks forward to continuing to work with Mackleeners and HIE over many years to come.”
Business owner, Robert Mason, said:
“We are very proud of our company’s track record of growth over the years. This is in no small part down to the hard work of our employees, some of whom have been with the company for over 10 years, and the loyalty of our customers. It is great to have secured support from HIE, Highland Opportunity (Investments) Ltd and Business Gateway Highland, which is enabling us to take things to the next stage. We look forward to increasing our contribution to the local economy and providing more employment opportunities. We have also managed to reduce our carbon foot print by nearly 40% with the installation of new machinery and by the use of specialised laundry chemicals.”
MacKleeners was taken over by Robert's parent's in 1991 as a small coin operated laundrette on Fort William High Street, before expanding into the commercial sector with pressing equipment. In the mid 90's the firm moved to Ben Nevis Industrial Estate. In 2010 Robert Mason took over the family business from his parents and in 2017 purchased a unit at Annat Point Industrial Estate from HIE to accommodate the existing workload and anticipated growth.
The company mainly provides a commercial washing, drying and ironing of linen and towel service for guest houses, hotels and self-catering properties alongside a domestic Laundrette. It also handles PPE for industrial firms such as Marine Harvest, BSW and Liberty Aluminium.
MacKleeners operates predominately in Lochaber but also across the West Coast and the Highlands.
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
Figures show that businesses and communities supported by HIE across Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross during last financial year are set to create or retain around 50 jobs, including 15 in fragile areas.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
Beinn an Tuirc Distillery is investigating the development of two new canned ready to drink (RTD) cocktail recipes.