A NEW business involved in the manufacture and repair of oak barrels for the Scotch whisky industry is preparing to launch in Renfrew.

Westway Cooperage is set to officially open at Westway Park in the new year, after agreeing to a five-year lease at Unit L7A, which covers 5,300 square feet.

The company is owned and managed by Jamie Reilly, a third-generation master cooper whose family have been in the cooperage business since 1961.

He told The Gazette: “We are very excited about launching our new business. We were keen to find a location which met our business needs.

“Westway is the ideal location, offering excellent quality space, within a 24-hour secure environment and with the added benefit of excellent communication links.

“We are currently undertaking fit-out works and look forward to being fully operational in early 2022.”

Westway Park is located in the heart of the Glasgow Airport Investment area, which is one of the key City Deal projects that will benefit from £39million of inward investment over the next 10 years.

This will deliver significant infrastructure investment to the area, including a new two-lane bridge over the White Cart, which will directly link Westway Park with the investment area and airport.

Westway Park also benefits from having its own private dock facility on the White Cart Water which accesses the River Clyde. This provides an alternative shipping solution, particularly for large products that are unsuitable for transport by road.

Toby Saul, of Westway Park owners Canmoor, said: “Securing Westway Cooperage is yet another boost and we wish Jamie every success with the new business venture.

“Our ongoing strategy of investment and improvement is proving popular with occupiers in the Scottish market. Since purchasing Westway in 2018, we have invested significantly into building refurbishment and park infrastructure, including the recent £3million refurbishment of Block D, with 40,000 square feet already let to Agility Logistics and strong interest in the remaining 60,000 square feet.

“Development work is also progressing well on the brand new 120,400 square foot Filshill Distribution Centre.”