Textile technology company Wilkie is leaving its historic base in Kirriemuir and relocating operations to the site of the former Michelin tyre factory in Dundee.

Manufacturing in Forfar will also move to the new site where it intends to increase its workforce by 400 to 600 backed by a £50 million investment.

The move will see Wilkie become a joint shareholder with Scottish Enterprise in the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc.

It will affect 190 employees at the current sites and the company said the decision to leave Kirriemuir after more than 160 years “was not taken lightly” and the company is
committed to securing its future and expanding its potential.

It has pledged to work with the workforce on “new opportunities” as well as local councils and residents “to ensure the current site is left in a safe and positive condition”. Community input will guide the future use of the site, with Wilkie committed to supporting its redevelopment.

Wilkie said it will launch a comprehensive consultation process to ensure the workers’ voices are heard and their needs are met through appropriate support plans. The expansion of the factory creates new roles and opportunities that will enable the growth and development of new skills in the workforce.

The company said the Kirriemuir factory no longer meets the demands of modern manufacturing, while the new site offers a purpose-built, modern layout capable of housing advanced technologies and supporting the company’s growth.

Dundee’s larger workforce will enable Wilkie to scale operations more effectively than was possible in Kirriemuir, it said.

The move to Dundee also aligns with Wilkie’s transition to sustainable products, processes and materials and allows it to plug into the Innovation Parc’s wind turbines and connection to the MVV Waste to Energy plant.

MSIP opened nearly six years ago, following the closure of the tyre factory, and described Wilkie’s decision as a “turning point for Dundee”, representing a new era of growth, innovation, and sustainability, and reaffirming Dundee’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.

Wilkie was founded in 1868 and has two wholly owned manufacturing sites in Jiaxing and Zhengzhou, China, as well as a technical materials coating factory in Lowell, United States. It currently has revenue of £60 million. 

Chief executive Hamish Rowan said: “The world-class infrastructure at MSIP provides a strong foundation for Wilkie to honour its proud legacy while embarking on an exciting new chapter of innovation and growth.

“This strategic decision reflects Wilkie’s commitment to seizing the immense opportunities presented in the global technical textiles market.

“While deeply rooted in its heritage and long-standing ties to Kirriemuir, the decision to relocate to Dundee was emotional and not taken lightly.

“This move marks the beginning of a new era, creating a home for Wilkie for the next 150 years and empowering the team to realise Wilkie’s ambitious and sustainable growth plans for the future.

“With MSIP and a partnership with Scottish Enterprise, we are looking forward to welcoming and supporting other related and exciting businesses to the Parc in the near future.”

Greig Coull, CEO, MSIP said: “I am delighted that Wilkie has brought its large-scale manufacturing ambition to the site, as the majority shareholder in this next chapter of MSIP.

“Their leadership and deep-rooted commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth will continue our mission to drive forward decarbonisation and advanced manufacturing.

“With Wilkie as the majority shareholder, this partnership, supported by our invaluable collaborators, including Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government, marks a transformative step forward for Dundee and the region.

“The future looks bright, creating lasting economic, environmental, and social impact.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This announcement furthers our ambition to make manufacturing a significant part of the activities at MSIP, which is also an important centre for skills and innovation.

“Wilkie’s involvement will create and protect jobs and add fresh impetus to the Parc’s
future development.

“The Scottish Government has supported MSIP since its inception. This is an important day for Dundee and for our wider efforts to transform and grow Scotland’s green economy.”

John Howe. managing director, Michelin UK said: “Since MSIP was set up, it has focused on creating jobs and improving sustainability. The agreement with Wilkie delivers exactly that and we believe it will benefit Dundee, the wider region and Scotland as a whole.”

Adrian Gillespie, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “MSIP was established as a public private partnership to secure an alternative future for the former Michelin site focused on innovation and sustainability. I’m delighted we’ll now be working with Wilkie to fully realise that ambition.”