The company has applied to Clackmannanshire Council for permission to build the 16,000 square feet factory which will allow the company to produce about 5m of its traditional handmade tablet, fudge and macaroon bars each year.
About 23 new jobs in the factory are expected to be created over three years in addition to the employment of site construction workers, said the sweet maker.
If planning permission is granted, construction will begin in October 2010 with factory opening scheduled for spring 2011, it added.
Traditional Scottish produce
“The submission of this planning application….illustrates just how big the demand is currently for traditional, Scottish produce,” said Tilly managing director Peter Paterson.
“The new premises will enable us to continue to meet the increased demand for our products whilst ensuring that the level of quality and care we put into each bar is uncompromised.”
Patterson added that the project would also allow the company to work in partnership with the local community council to improve surrounding buildings and to boost tourism to the area.
Tilly Confectionery supplies major supermarket chains such as Tesco and Somerfield as well as a range of food outlets and tourist attractions across the UK and Scotland. Recently the company announced new contracts to supply all 137 RS McColl stores in Scotland plus another 100 Tesco stores in the north of England and the Co-op.
Tilly is listed with all Historic Scotland sites, including Stirling and Edinburgh castle.
Investment
It said that it hopes to receive part funding for the £1.1m new build through the Scottish Government’s Regional Selective Assistance programme, which aims to encourage investment and job creation for businesses in designated areas of Scotland.
Launched in 1997 by Peter and Elizabeth Patterson, Tilly Confectionery targets the market for natural high-quality Scottish tablet.
“Unlike many of the more established manufacturers in the business, [we] set out to favour flavour over longevity,” according to a company statement. “[We] refused to compromise on adding preservatives to their products even though this means reduced shelf life.”