Area claims it is 'Scotland's most attractive places to do business'

Glasgow Times

5 days ago

According to recent figures, North Lanarkshire's commercial property sales rose by 90% last year, amounting to £145.7million in total.
This involved more than 1.6million square feet of commercial space changing hands in 2024/2025, nearly double the amount recorded the previous year.
The surge in activity is part of a broader trend of economic growth in the region, with businesses of all sizes, both domestic and international, selecting North Lanarkshire as their base or expansion location.
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Councillor Alex McVey, convener of the enterprise and fair work committee, said: "These latest figures highlight continued economic growth across North Lanarkshire.
"It's part of a coordinated approach by North Lanarkshire Council and our partners over the past few years.
"For example, our INVEST pre-planning service is streamlining the process for developers and investors, helping accelerate projects and reducing time to market.
"Companies also benefit from one-to-one business advice, training, recruitment support, and access to sector-specific grants and funding.
"With a variety of land and accommodation on offer — from start-up units to large industrial premises — the area is an ideal place for businesses to thrive."
This month, two major Italian-owned companies, Eurostampa and Guala Closures, opened manufacturing facilities in North Lanarkshire.
Eurostampa, a leader in high-quality label printing, relocated from Glasgow to a £30million state-of-the-art facility in Cumbernauld, supported by Scottish Enterprise.
This is the largest investment in the company's history, nearly doubling production space and boosting energy efficiency.
Eurostampa UK's grand opening (Image: Supplied) Eurostampa UK's grand opening (Image: Supplied) Eurostampa UK's grand opening (Image: Supplied) Gian Franco Cillario, chief executive of Eurostampa, said: "We decided to invest in Scotland — making our largest single investment — because we saw in Scotland an opportunity for future growth.
"Our new facility will create extra capacity, help us support customers better, and create a better environment for our employees."
Guala Closures, a global specialist in innovative bottle closures, has also opened a new facility in Gartcosh.
This €60million plant is one of the largest investments ever made by an Italian company in the UK, employing more than 300 people.
The facility, which includes solar panels and energy-efficient lighting, enhances Guala Closures' production capacity and commitment to sustainability.
Andrea Lodetti, chief executive of Guala Closures, said: "Our new facility is designed for maximum efficiency and scalability, allowing us to optimise operations and create tangible value, both for our customers and for our business."
The site also hosts a specialist R&D centre focused on high-end closures.
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Councillor Kenneth Duffy, Provost of North Lanarkshire, attended the official openings of both businesses.
He said: "North Lanarkshire has a reputation for innovation and sustainability; it really is one of Scotland's most exciting business locations.
"We have an ever-growing base of investors who are creating new job opportunities for people who live here.
"It's a very positive story and I'm proud that so many businesses are choosing to invest here."