New state-of-the-art flour mill for Scotland

The project by the Cumbrian based company, involves the installation of a state of the art Mill in a new building, to be located on a site alongside the grain storage and handling facility now operating within the towns port. The port reopened to cargo vessels and wheat imports in Summer 2011, after a break of 20 years, following investment by Carr’s and Forth Ports.

The project will ultimately replace the original Hutchisons Mill in the town with a modern, purpose built facility to give enhanced, flexible capability, to produce a wide range of flour milled from imported and locally grown wheat. These include the wheat varieties which have made Scottish Biscuits so famous globally.

Chris Holmes, chief executive Carr's Milling Industries PLC comments:

“This is the first flour mill to be built in Scotland for 30 years. It will give Carr's the most modern and technologically advanced mill in the UK and means that we can continue to provide our customers with the highest levels of product quality and service quality for many years to come.”

Construction of the new facility will take place over the next 15 months. Swiss Milling Engineers Buhler will supply the milling machinery and controls. Gelder & Kitchen of Hull, has been appointed as project manager and architect. The project is supported by a Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.

George Wishart finance director, Carr's Flour Mills Ltd adds:

“Our plans to renew the Mill facility at Kirkcaldy are good news for our 71 strong workforce, the local supply chain and the town. We hope to engage with local contractors on elements of the construction, which will go out to tender as the programme moves forward. We also acknowledge the support of Scottish Enterprise, which has helped fund the project and enabled it to get the go ahead.”

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, which is supporting the development of the mill with an RSA grant, said:

"The decision to develop the first new flour mill that Scotland has seen in 30 years is an important investment for the Fife economy, the local supply chain, and Scotland's food and drink industry as a whole and will help to safeguard jobs in the long term.

This new state-of-the-art facility further demonstrates the company's commitment to Scotland following its investment, along with Forth Ports, in the town port last year which saw it re-open to cargo vessels and wheat imports after a period of 20 years.

Scotland's food and drink industry continues to provide growth opportunities and Carr's decision to invest here is testament to the strength and performance of the sector."