Food group Vion creates 250 jobs in West Lothian

Vion, which said it will also safeguard 1,000 posts, is planning to create a new training centre at its Halls plant in Broxburn.

Among the 250 new jobs will be up to 100 modern apprentices. First Minister Alex Salmond said he welcomed the news.

Funding of £1.495m from Scottish Enterprise and up to £500,000 from Skills Development Scotland has been granted towards the project.

Mr Salmond said: "Securing 1250 jobs through the new Centre of Excellence at Halls in Broxburn is fantastic news.

"Vion's investment in their new training centre is a major vote of confidence in the Scottish workforce and Scotland's economic future.

"I know that the West Lothian site was up against competition from elsewhere and securing the contract for the Centre of Excellence is also a major vote of confidence in Scottish training and learning."

Ton Christiaanse, Vion UK chief executive, said: "People are at the heart of our business and this announcement underlines our commitment to the development of our skills base.

"Partnerships are the basis for business success and we especially value the support and expertise of Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.

"This investment not only demonstrates our confidence in the Hall's site but also in the Scottish pig farming sector who are key partner suppliers to our business."