Praise has been heaped on an Auchinleck chipboard site after a recent visit from an MSP, who called it "ambitious".

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth praised the work of the EGGER Barony plant near Auchinleck during a visit to the site last month.

The MSP, who is Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on the Wood Panel Industry, heard about the work going on at the plant and about their ambitious future plans.

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Based in Auchinleck, EGGER is a modern chipboard production and wood recycling plant.

Since opening in 1998, EGGER has become an important employer for the region, with more than 100 people working on site.

The plant manufactures approximately 400,000m3 of raw chipboard per annum for customers including EGGER Hexham.

A major investment in a wood recycling plant allows them to obtain their wood from a wide range of sources, and not just the nearby forests.

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Colin Smyth said: “It was great to visit the EGGER Barony plant in Auchinleck and to learn more about the company, as well as their ambitious plans for the future.

“EGGER Barony has just celebrated its 25th anniversary and is an important employer in the area, providing good jobs and attracting people to this part of East Ayrshire.

“As the cost of living increases and many companies are downsizing or shutting completely, it is really good to see an example of a business which is thinking about expansion.”

Heiko Lichtblau, Plant Director of EGGER Barony, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Colin to the EGGER Barony plant and showcase the extensive range of products which we manufacture within the EGGER Group, the UK and locally in Auchinleck.

“We greatly appreciate Colin's continued support for our local production and planned investments as well as a Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group on the Wood Panel Industry."