Local MSP George Adam and Renfrewshire’s Provost Celia Lawson visit W.J & W Lang.
George Adam, MSP for Paisley and Renfrewshire’s Provost, Celia Lawson, are photographed paying a visit to local company W.J& W Lang, part of the Scottish Leather Group.
The company, which has been in Paisley since 1872 and is in its 140th year, is the oldest manufacturing company in Paisley producing on its original site. The company employs 60 people and has increased turnover substantially in the last few years.
Hugh Gilmour managing director said, “We are delighted that Mr. Adam’s first appointment of 2012 was to visit our factory in the heart of Paisley and were also delighted that Renfrewshire’s Provost was able to take time out of her busy schedule to see the operation and discuss our plans for the future.
“As a major employer we are committed to Paisley, many of our workforce are second and in some cases third generation of the same family to work here. With our emphasis on training, innovation and investment we are thriving where many of the traditional local industries have disappeared. We recently invested £500,000 in new equipment and are further investing in continuous improvements to our environmental performance.”
The company supplies tanned hides to Group companies Bridge of Weir Leather Company and Andrew Muirhead & Son which are then processed and finished for onward supply to the automotive, aviation and contract furnishing industries. The finishing companies supply most of the world’s major airlines and car manufacturers such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Volvo, Aston Martin and Ford.
Mr Adam, MSP, said:
“I was delighted to be invited along to see the great work being carried out right in the centre of our town.
“I was warmly greeted and shown round by managing director, Hugh Gilmour, and learned a great deal about a factory which I stay so close to, but without really knowing what happened within the walls.
“Having a business in Paisley, employing local people, which supplies leather to companies all around the world is fantastic. Over recent years, the factory has developed and invested to modernise itself, while looking to improve its green performance.
“I would like to thank everyone at the factory for taking the time to show me around and wish them continued success for the future.”
Provost Lawson, finished:
“Renfrewshire has a strong industrial history and as the area’s Provost I am always keen to support and raise awareness of our proud past. As one of the oldest manufacturing businesses in the area, Lang is an important part of that heritage and a great example of Renfrewshire’s continuing place in industry today.”
“It was fascinating to see how the business works and has adapted over the years, including the recycling processes. I was particularly impressed to see such a long-serving and happy workforce.”
