A multi-million pound investment programme, together with the support and commitment of the workforce, and active partnership with the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International (SDI) and Scottish Enterprise (SE), has delivered a swift and positive return.

Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Fisher, VION Poultry's Regional Director for Scotland and the Southern Region said: "This is very positive news and just reward for the tremendous efforts not only of the teams at Cambuslang and Coupar Angus, but also through the wider VION supply chain from our farmers and feed mill operators, through to our production, sales and administration colleagues."

Approximately 150 new jobs have been created at VION's chicken processing business at Coupar Angus, where the investment included the installation of a new finished packing line, enabling VION to offer true 'Produce of Scotland' – chickens hatched, reared and processed in Scotland, with the birds grown with feed from our own Scottish mill.

A further 100 jobs have been created at the Added Value plant at Cambuslang. The investment, together with the efforts of the workforce, has allowed the site to grow its business by 25 per cent in 2010.

In addition, 234 jobs at Cambuslang have been safeguarded with the help of a Scottish Enterprise Regional Selective Assistance grant of £650,000.

Rural Affairs secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: "These significant investment plans for Cambuslang and Coupar Angus are excellent news for Scotland’s food sector, and for the local economies concerned.

"VION's investment brings a very welcome jobs boost and confirms that the company sees a long-term future in Scotland. The creation of 250 jobs by VION is also great news for employees and producers who supply the factories, as well as the wider industry. I am also delighted to announce that VION have been awarded Regional Selective Assistance funding that will safeguard 234 existing jobs at Cambuslang.

"In addition to its position as a major food processor VION also has significant production interests in Scotland and, consequently, plays a key role in Scotland's food supply-chain. I wish the company every success in the future."

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, added: "This expansion by VION is terrific news not just for the Scottish food and drink industry, but for the whole supply chain and particularly the farming sector.

"We're heartened by the fact that RSA funding has been a key factor in making all of this happen, by safeguarding the future of over 200 jobs at Cambuslang. This shows the real impact RSA can have in helping indigenous and foreign companies to invest in Scotland.

"With this funding, and the additional support provided by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, VION can go on to become even more innovative, productive and globally ambitious, delivering more for Scotland's economy as a result."