“This investment not only strengthens our manufacturing operations but also creates opportunities within the local community” – Nicholas Muirhead, CEO
Scottish Leather Group has opened a major new facility as it targets the aviation, public transport and automotive sectors with its protein-based moulded foam.
The new site marks a significant investment that has resulted in the restoration of a historic Glasgow building which has been associated with the company for more than 150 years.
The new “state-of-the-art” production site and engineering hub will play a key role in the production of BioPRO, a moulded foam that incorporates protein recovered as a by-product of the group’s manufacturing process.
It will bring foam production together with the group’s established leather and cover manufacturing expertise through its specialist businesses, Bridge of Weir Leather and Muirhead.
Following the recent acquisition of Aerotech Systems, the facility also brings cabin engineering and certified aviation manufacturing capability together in one location, enabling aircraft interior seating components to be manufactured and certified internally for the company’s clients.
Scottish Leather Group chief executive Nicholas Muirhead said: “Our new BioPRO facility allows us to take design, engineering and production capabilities to a new level, with our teams operating together in one location to support collaboration and innovation.
“This investment not only strengthens our manufacturing operations but also creates opportunities within the local community and secures the future of this historic building. BioPRO foam represents a step change in sustainable seating materials and producing it in a facility shaped by more than 150 years of manufacturing heritage feels fitting.”
Originally a textile factory, the building was transformed into a specialist tannery in 1870, when Andrew Muirhead & Son – now known as Muirhead – began operations on the Dunn Street site.
Following the consolidation of Muirhead’s leather manufacturing at its main Bridge of Weir site in recent years, the vacant Glasgow building was chosen as the ideal location for the new foam production facility.