AN Investment of more than £100million has been confirmed for Dalry with DSM confirming today that they will a ground breaking additive in North Ayrshire.

And this will see an increase to the already 300 strong workforce at the facility.

Science-based company Royal DSM unveiled plans for a large-scale production facility at its site in Dalry to manufacture its new product Bovaer®, a methane reducing feed additive, as the second week of COP26 gets underway in Glasgow. 

This project has been a long-term strategic investment of DSM into improving sustainability, and will be a substantial boost to their local production site, already a world-leading production facility for micro-nutrients, including Vitamin C. The investment has been supported by Scottish Enterprise, and builds upon the existing production capacity on the site.

The firm say bringing this breakthrough technology to Scotland will help the local farming community in lowering its emissions, and thereby delivering a stronger sustainable export product. 

The Dalry site currently employs more than 300 people and by manufacturing the feed additive, this number is anticipated to grow by approximately 10 per cent, as well as securing the site’s long-term future and delivering between 100-150 construction roles over two years to boost the local economy.

Preparatory work on the new plant at Dalry is underway and the site is set to be fully operational by 2025. 

Royal DSM made the announcement following a meeting today (Tuesday, November 9) with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the global climate change summit.  

Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister, said: “Methane reducing feed additives are a crucial part of the solutions that the agriculture sector needs to deploy towards achieving climate ambitions. This multi million pound investment will make Scotland the home of this innovative product and highlights that Scotland is leading the way in delivering a net zero future. 

“I’m pleased to also welcome this boost to the Scottish economy, securing the Dalry site’s long-term future and safeguarding more than 300 existing jobs with an anticipated increase of job numbers of around 10 per cent. We will also see between 100 and 150 construction jobs created over two years.”

Bovaer® is a cattle feed additive researched and developed for more than 10 years by Royal DSM. Just a quarter teaspoon of Bovaer® per cow per day consistently reduces enteric methane emission by approximately 30 per cent for dairy cows and up to 90 per cent for beef cows.

Scientists agree that reducing methane emissions is an important lever to reach the Paris Agreement target of maximum 1.5 degree warming, especially since methane’s warming effect is shorter lived and much more potent than carbon dioxide.

Royal DSM has made a commitment to enable double-digit on-farm reduction of livestock emissions by 2030, part of which is to make possible a sizeable reduction in emissions from farms by changing the feed that animals eat every day. 

Site Director at DSM Dalry, Rob De Hooge said: “We are delighted to be working towards such an exciting and globally significant product being manufactured right here in Dalry. DSM hugely values the exceptional workforce and great support across the local community that has underpinned our success over recent years.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for DSM, and the local economy of North Ayrshire.”

North Ayrshire Council Leader, Councillor Joe Cullinane said: “We are absolutely delighted that DSM has chosen its site in North Ayrshire, as the global manufacturing centre for the production of an innovative new feed additive which will cut methane emissions from cattle.

“It is incredible to think that it’s base in Dalry, located just 20 miles from the COP 26 venue, will be playing its part in addressing climate change across the world. This significant investment will bring a hugely important and positive impact to the economy of North Ayrshire.”