RITCHIE set to open new plant in Suttieside

~ Members of industry and the media are invited to the open day on February 14 ~

A speech by Peter Hughes, the chief executive of Scottish Engineering, will be among the highlights of an open day on February 14, being held to mark the unveiling of handling, agricultural and security specialist RITCHIE’s new plant extension. There will also be a speech by Tony Walker, managing director of RITCHIE and a factory tour.

An additional highlight will be the burying of a time capsule, representing a snapshot of life at RITCHIE in 2008. Its contents will include copies of the local press and video of the local news roundup as well as historical documents mapping the history of the company’s site in Forfar.

The new plant extension, in Suttieside, will provide greater manufacturing capacity for the company, which currently employs over 120 staff. RITCHIE has been trading in Forfar for over 130 years.

Scottish Engineering is the principal support and lobbying organisation for the manufacturing and engineering industries in Scotland. Founded in 1865, it is a non-profit making organisation, wholly owned by its member companies. A founder member of the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) the present membership of Scottish Engineering includes 400 companies from all sectors of the manufacturing industry. Peter Hughes said, "It is great to be celebrating the success of a long established Scottish manufacturer which, having had a very distinguished history over the past 130 years is looking forward to an exciting future in its new plant".

Interested parties from the media should contact Richard Stone on 020 8699 7743 or e-mail richards@stonejunction.co.uk to book a place. Members of industry should contact John MacAskill on 01307 462271 or e-mail jmacaskill@ritchie-uk.com.

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For further information contact: John MacAskill,
David Ritchie Implements Limited, Carseview Road,
Forfar, Scotland, DD8 3BT
Telephone: 01307 462271
Fax: 01307 464081
e-mail: jmacaskill@ritchie-uk.com
www: www.ritchie-uk.com

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk

About RITCHIE: RITCHIE provides innovative handling, storage and security solutions for the offshore, industrial gas & chemical, defence, glass, distribution, automotive, rail and utility sectors. The business was established over a century ago and today employs over 120 people in two sites, supplying businesses across the globe.

Ref: RIT004/01/08