Tilly Confectionery, the Tillicoultry-based sweet manufacturer, has submitted plans to Clackmannanshire Council for a new factory in Alva.
The company says a move to larger premises is necessary to enable it to increase its production to meet the future demands for its confectionery
Tilly Confectionery has experienced a significant increase in the demand for its traditional, handmade Scottish confectionery products in recent years and now supplies to some of the major supermarket chains such as Tesco and Somerfield, in addition to a range of food outlets and tourist attractions across the UK and Scotland.
In the past few months, Tilly Confectionery has won contracts to supply all 137 RS McColl stores in Scotland in addition to another 100 Tesco stores in the north of England, and the company has been listed with all Historic Scotland sites, including Stirling and Edinburgh castle.
And last month, the company announced that it had secured a listing for the Co-op.
Peter Paterson, founder and managing director of Tilly Confectionery, said, "The submission of this planning application represents a significant milestone in the growth and progress we have made as a small Scottish manufacturer and illustrates just how big the demand is currently for traditional, Scottish produce.
"The new premises will enable us to continue to meet the increased demand for our products whilst ensuring that the level of quality and care we put into each bar is uncompromised.
He added, "We have identified a site which would not only enable us to expand our operation successfully, but would offer an opportunity for us to work in partnership with the local community council in Alva to find ways of improving some of the surrounding buildings, and to potentially realise some opportunities in the future to boost tourism to the area."
If planning for the new site in Alva is approved, construction on the new factory will commence in October 2010 with plans to open the factory in Spring next year.
The 16,000 square foot factory will have the potential to produce around five million of its high quality tablet, fudge and macaroon bars each year, and will boost the local economy by providing around 23 jobs in the factory over three years and also through the construction of the new premises.The company is hoping it will receive part funding for the £1.1 million new build through the Scottish Government's Regional Selective Assistance programme, which aims to encourage investment and job creation for businesses in designated areas of Scotland.
Tilly Confectionery was originally started in 1997 when Peter and Elisabeth Paterson recognised a gap in the market for producing traditional, good quality Scottish confectionery, free from artificial additives and preservatives.
Its popular Mrs Tilly range includes tablet, macaroon bars and traditional Scottish fudge.
From Alloa Advertiser Wed 9th June
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