A ROSS-SHIRE firm is set to increase its production capacity in a move that will boost its turnover by more than 50 per cent and create a dozen new jobs.
Fearn-based Anta Scotland Ltd, which already employs 40 people, has secured a £117,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the cost of a £645,000 upgrade.
In 1990, Lachlan and Annie Stewart, designers, returned to the highlands and began manufacturing ceramic stoneware and soft furnishings.
The shop in Fearn attracts around 10,000 visitors a year. There are ANTA shops in Edinburgh, Glasgsow and London and a growing eCommerce site.
The global demand for ANTA has brought about a need to improve the production facilities to increase distribution. By building a new purpose-built factory and integrated a warehouse, it will ensure the company continues to meet the demand for its products and allow scope for further growth.
The HIE investment will also support ANTA’s attendance at trade events in Scotland, London and New York, to open up new markets which it will be able to supply once the new factory is operational.
Susan Addison, senior development manager with HIE, said: “The Highlands and Islands has a growing international reputation for excellence in creative industries.
“ANTA is very much part of that. The company is a significant employer in the area with an excellent reputation and huge growth potential.
“The management team are ambitious for the company and embracing the prospect of further growth. This development represents an investment in people and infrastructure, and in driving long-term improvements in competitiveness.
“It will create valuable new job opportunities locally, which will in turn benefit the wider community. I am delighted we are able to help with this very worthwhile development.”
Annie Stewart, ANTA designer and managing director, said: “The completion of our new manufacturing facility will allow us to scale and expand the business in a way which is sustainable for the future.
“To scale we are dependent on increased resources, we are already committed to a programme of training and we are extremely grateful to HIE for their contribution towards the enterprise.”
ENDS
MEDIA RELEASE issued by HIE. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. Email here for more information.
Check out twitter.com/newsdipper for your very own media releases feed…
To catch up on all the media releases recently posted on to allmediascotland.com, you need only click the link icon that you see towards the bottom right of our two media release ‘gateway boxes’.
It’s this icon, here. It’s your route straight into the rich archive.
—
HIE contact details…
Contact: HIE Communications
Phone: 01463244244
Email: communications@hient.co.uk
Website: http://www.hie.co.uk
