Businesses in Kilmarnock are thriving and expanding thanks to East Ayrshire Council’s ambitious programme of building and development at Moorfield Park, which was formally opened by Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Built in response to a 2013 review of land supply for business and industry which identified a need to increase the scope and availability of the area’s commercial and industrial portfolio.
With the second of three planned phases well underway, the site has already proven a successful base for local business. Hyspec moved into phase 2 during 2015, securing 110 jobs. Scotia Windows and Doors moved in in November 2018, and this year they’ve been joined by Dingbro Ltd and Kilmarnock Powder Coating Services (KPCS).
During his visit, Michael Matheson toured Scotia Windows and Doors. The company is now based in a 2,700sqm unit – a move securing 183 jobs and creating 20 more. In relocating from their original base over five sites in Bonnyton Industrial Estate, Kilmarnock, the company has been able to come together under one roof. This has increased their manufacturing capacity from 1170 units to 1600 since their move and will shortly hit a target of 1800 with the promise of further new jobs.
Opening the park, Michael Matheson said:
“I am delighted to officially open the new premises at Moorfield Park which will create and sustain high quality jobs in Kilmarnock and beyond. In particular, I am pleased that the business park will be further supported with £12 million of funding through the Scottish Government’s overall £103 million commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal. The deal will create new jobs, protect existing ones and extend economic opportunity to communities, families and individuals throughout Ayrshire.”
Robert McKnight, Managing Director of Scotia Double Glazing, said:
“Merging our five production units from Bonnyton into a new bespoke factory here in Moorfield has allowed us to improve efficiencies and the quality of our products. We have also made a significant investment in new machinery which has resulted in increased production, and further expansion is planned for our Kilmarnock operation.”
Councillor Elena Whitham, Depute Leader of East Ayrshire Council said:
“We’re delighted to have reached this stage with Moorfield Park – with four local businesses expanding and thriving here, it proves our faith in the market demand was justified. By providing newbuild, flexible accommodation, we’re not just helping those businesses, we’re also freeing up supply of smaller units elsewhere in the area and providing new job opportunities as the companies expand.
“For local companies looking to expand or organisations wanting to relocate, Moorfield has a lot to offer. With easy transport links, good local service infrastructure, spacious layouts and easily adaptable units for any specification, we’ve been able to give our tenants a great package. In Phase 3 we will be able to offer both purpose built units or serviced plots. It will all help give our businesses a head start and our local economy and jobs market a welcome boost.”
