Smokehouse quadruples in size

The extension quadruples the size of the factory and is expected to create up to seven new jobs. It was opened by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam, who was also able to present Scotland’s oldest commercial producer of traditional Scottish smoked salmon with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2016.

The award, which was announced earlier this year and saw company representatives attend Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen in July, was awarded to John Ross Jr for its continual growth in international trade over the last six years.

Andrew Leigh, founding chairman of the company, commented: “To receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is an honour and to welcome the Lord Provost, who not only presented the award but also joined the team in opening the new factory, is a privilege. We are thrilled with the amount of recognition we continue to receive and believe that the launch of the new factory extension will help provide the foundations for future international success and contribute towards Scotland’s growing international appeal when it comes to traditionally prepared food products.”

The Lord Provost received a tour of the traditional brick kilns, which remain at the heart of the factory and date back to 1857, before meeting company employees and sampling some of the smokehouse’s award-winning smoked salmon.

He reflected: “It has been a real pleasure to meet with a successful local company which plays such a key role in adding value to the Scottish economy. It’s very reassuring that the demand for Scottish food continues to grow and that the Aberdeen area continues to lead the way in quality and innovation. Businesses such as John Ross Jr are a huge asset, not only on a domestic level but also internationally. As a result, it is only right their achievements are recognised and I was delighted to present the company with this prestigious award on behalf of The Queen.”