Yogurt maker Rowan Glen is set to boost its sustainability credentials by installing a cream separator and cooling and storage facility.
The move will mean the brand’s site in Palnure, in Dumfries and Galloway, will be able to produce its own cream, considerably reducing packaging usage, energy consumption and transport emissions in its supply chain. The business is already a big winner when it comes to local sourcing – the milk it uses to make yogurt comes from a farm adjacent to the Rowan Glen factory.
The installation will be possible thanks to a £142,000 grant from South of Scotland Enterprise’s (SOSE) Net Zero Accelerator fund.
The fact that Rowan Glen is trading – never mind expanding – is nothing short of remarkable. The business folded in November 2022 with the loss of 55 jobs when then owner Dale Farm Group conducted a review of its operations.
However, production restarted this February after a management buyout was supported by a £285,000 grant from SOSE, which also helped out with negotiations.
Rowan Glen now employs 18 staff, who knock out around 20 million pots of yogurt annually. There are plans to get the jobs total up to 45 by 2028.
Minister for Small Business, Trade and Innovation Richard Lochhead recently visited the site. He commented: “It has been a testament to the hard work of all those involved that has ensured Rowen Glen is continuing to be a successful business in the region.
“This funding will further support jobs, increase productivity and opportunities for the business while improving the efficiency and processing to help the company reach its low carbon ambitions.”
Commenting on Rowan Glen’s “impressive” turnaround, SOSE chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross said it was exactly the sort of operation SOSE had been set up to support.
