£53M NHS SCOTLAND CONTRACT FOR DUMFRIESSHIRE BUSINESS

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PPE order to Alpha Solway a massive financial shot in the arm for local economy, say Joan McAlpine and Emma Harper

SNP MSPs Joan McAlpine and Emma Harper have hailed news that Dumfriesshire manufacturing company Alpha Solway have won a major new Scottish Government contract to provide Personal Protective Equipment to NHS Scotland.

It was announced today (Thursday) that the business – which has bases in Annan and Dumfries – has secured a £53million order which will see them make 232 million surgical masks and 2 million visors to meet demand for Scotland’s health and social care sectors until summer 2021.

The company is also making an additional 6 million FFP3 respirator masks which will meet around 87% of Scotland’s health and social care needs.

Commenting, South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper said: “This is fantastic news for the local economy. Not only does it provide job security for existing workers and employment opportunities for others but the financial spin-off will also cascade down to other business in Annan, Dumfries and the wider area.

“I congratulate everyone at Alpha Solway. Their hard work and proven track record in this sector has really paid dividends. And I’d also like to thank them for helping keep health and care workers safe through their efforts to suppress Coronavirus through the production of this vital kit.”

Commenting on the contract award, SNP MSP Joan McAlpine said: “This is wonderful news and a real vote of confidence in one of the area’s important employers and brings a much-needed shot in the arm to the local economy.

“A Scottish firm supplying PPE to keep safe Scottish health and care workers is a fantastic success story worth celebrating.

“Since the start of this dreadful pandemic Alpha Solway have been at the heart of efforts to provide safety kit for frontline staff. They have already created 50 new jobs since the start of the crisis and this huge new contract will support around 200 more.

“Their commitment to the national effort has been recognised and rewarded. This contract will secure vital employment both at Alpha Solway and at other Scottish businesses along the supply chain.”