First Minister Alex Salmond will tomorrow visit Scottish biscuit makers Tunnock’s to help mark the 120th Anniversary of the family run firm.
Mr Salmond will tour the factory in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, and view the production lines that make the company’s iconic caramel wafers, teacakes and snowballs.
He will also meet staff, including those who walked out in recent weeks in a dispute over pay.
More than 10 million biscuits are produced at the factory each week with many exported to countries such as Kuwait, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean.
The 120th anniversary coincides with Scotland’s 2010 Year of Food and Drink, which celebrates the country’s reputation for high quality produce and invites visitors to sample Scotland’s larder.
Mr Salmond said: “Tunnock’s has established itself as an iconic Scottish brand, which is famous throughout this country and across the world for their caramel wafers, teacakes and snowballs.
“This year the family business celebrates its 120th anniversary and I am delighted to help mark this milestone in Tunnock’s long and proud history.
“The company employs more than 550 people, produces more than 10 million biscuits each week, and exports its products to more than 30 countries.”
He added: “This year marks Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink and Tunnock’s is one of the many brands that have helped to secure Scotland’s international reputation as a land of delicious, quality produce.”
Tunnock’s Managing Director, Boyd Tunnock, said he was very pleased to be welcoming the First Minister to help staff celebrate.
He said: “This year we have installed a new caramel wafer wrapping line and a robot packing line for teacakes at a cost of £4 million, all to satisfy our customers worldwide.
“I am delighted that the First Minister is visiting our factory.”
