Albert Bartlett’s new manufacturing facility of GBP17m is now in operation, after Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, helped to formally open it.

Sturgeon unveiled a special plaque during her visit to the leading potato firm’s Airdrie headquarters, according to the site dailyrecord.co.uk.

The plant produces branded products as well as retailer own label products, and will process 50,000 tons of potatoes per year – around 90% of which will be grown in Scotland.

Sturgeon said: “The new facility has enabled the company to develop new products, attract new business and is a huge boost to both our food processing and horticultural sectors. It has also led to the creation of 35 new jobs. The Scottish Government has invested more than GBP4m in Albert Bartlett’s new GBP17.7m potato processing facility.”

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government awarded Albert Bartlett a Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grant of GBP4m.

The funding contributed to the total investment in the new factory and development kitchen, which will allow Bartlett’s to introduce new chilled potato products.

The company’s development has created 35 new jobs and safeguarded 50 more in Airdrie, in addition to providing security for its partners working in the entire supply chain, not least its dedicated group of potato growers.

Supported by investment from HSBC, the move represents a “major development” for the potato producer.