This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Investment in Tayside company
30/03/2004
WL Gore & Associates have accepted a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) award from the Executive to help create a new medical production line at their Dundee plant, an economic summit in the city heard today.
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace revealed details of a £112,500 award which will help the company create around 20 new jobs over the next couple of years.
The US company's investment in Scotland will see the company producing catheter devices, products which have been traditionally manufactured by Gore in the USA. This will create a small number of professional positions initially, to develop and qualify the product line in the Dundee facility.
Speaking to an audience of politicians, business people and local enterprise bodies at Discovery Point, Mr Wallace said:
"The decision by Gore to develop this ground-breaking technology in Dundee highlights the city's growing international reputation for commercialisation of knowledge, and in promoting research and development. This is an area in which Scotland is truly world class.
"The Executive has made clear that our number one priority is growing the economy. Projects like this lie at the very heart of a Smart, Successful Scotland and that is why I am pleased to announce that Gore have recently accepted a Regional Selective Assistance offer of £112,500.
"The technology being developed here in Dundee will help with life saving surgery. It enables arteries and veins to be widened and for blood to flow more freely where constrained blood flow could cause strokes or heart problems. So this is good news for patients and it is good news for the Dundee economy.
"Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise Tayside have helped the company make this project a reality. Their efforts clearly demonstrate their commitment to support innovative business ventures."
Turning to the key economic issues facing Dundee, the Minister said:
"This is an opportunity for me to hear at first hand what those closest to the sharp end feel are the main issues that stand in the path of economic growth for Dundee and Tayside. More to the point, we can discuss what we in the Executive, working together with you, can do about it.
"We are already making progress. Dundee has also benefited quite considerably from the Executive's relocation policy. The Scottish Social Services Council & Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care located their HQ in Dundee recently with over 160 jobs. And more recently, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has set up its office with around 25 posts.
"We are tackling regional imbalances and helping businesses to grow in Scotland through our Regional Selective Assistance programme. We have seen the benefit of that with my announcement today about Gore but there have been others. Since devolution, over 40 projects creating and safeguarding jobs in the Tayside area have benefited from over £8.4 million in RSA payments.
"The Cities Growth Fund will provide £9.3 million to reconnect the city with a regenerated waterfront, revitalising what is one of the finest estuary settings in Europe. To stimulate economic growth and job creation, we have set up a Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, and Dundee will benefit from an allocation of £4 million.
"Of course there are significant challenges facing Dundee. Unemployment is higher than the Scottish average and the population of the city is falling. We need to work together to confront these challenges. I am hopeful that some of the steps I have mentioned already, together with more action in the future will do just that."