The Queen opens Highland Spring’s new factory building

Her Majesty The Queen has visited Highland Spring Group to open its new factory building and state-of-the-art production line at Blackford in Perthshire.

The Queen unveils a plaque to mark the official opening of Ochils 2017, Highland Spring’s new £30million factory extension / Picture: Highland Spring

Les Montgomery, Chief Executive at Highland Spring Group, commented: “Her Majesty The Queen’s visit commemorates the opening of our £30m factory extension project, the biggest investment in the history of Highland Spring Group and one that we are proud to celebrate with over half of our 500 staff members on site today.

“The extension houses a new, state-of-the-art production line, which is the fastest, most technologically advanced PET bottling soft drinks line in the UK. The line will step change our production capabilities, enabling us to reach even more consumers with our message of healthy hydration. To have Her Majesty The Queen here to share in this success is an honour.”

The Queen, accompanied by Group Operations Director Bryan McCluskey, pushes the button on the new factory line to start the process of producing her commemorative bottle / Picture: Highland Spring

Highland Spring Group has named its new factory ‘Ochils 2017’ in honour of its 2,000 acre, privately owned catchment area in the Ochil Hills. Certified organic by the Soil Association, the land is free from pollution, pesticides and habitation to ensure the water is as pure as it can be.