The drinks giant announced plans last week to restructure and increase its packaging base at Leven – leading to the creation of 400 much needed new jobs in 2011.
Diageo also further committed itself to Levenmouth by publicly stating that it belie
ves its long-term grain whisky requirements can be best met through continued expansion of the Cameronbridge Distillery at Windygates.
However, the local developments have been tempered by the news that Diageo also intends to close sites in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas – costing 900 jobs over the next two years.
Chairman of Levenmouth's area committee, Councillor David Alexander, told the Mail that he felt it was no coincidence that Diageo had made the local commitment considering the proven dedication of current staff members.
Cllr Alexander, while admitting sympathy for the workers elsewhere in Scotland, said: "The significant point is that Levenmouth has benefited, not because Diageo did us favours, but because the outstanding workforce, with its record of low absenteeism and flexibility, shone through.
"It's a basic lesson.
"Levenmouth needs to adopt this 'can do' attitude at every level to fully maximise our potential and there are increasing signs that we are beginning to do exactly that."
Diageo says that part of the investment will go towards the construction, subject to planning approval, of a new packaging hall to accommodate the new workforce.
The firm says it believes the plans will help secure the long term sustainability of the business in the global market.
MP Lindsay Roy described the news as a "real lift" to the people of Levenmouth and hoped the jobs would go on to have a "huge impact" on the area.
Mr Roy added: "All politicians must now focus on securing the transport infrastructure that we need in order to build on this great news.
"The Leven rail link and improvements to the A92 are critical if we are to attract further investment into the area."
Cameronbridge has already received a £40 million investment in the past two years while a separate £65 million investment, announced last year, will create a bio-energy facility to ensure the site meets environmental standards.
Tricia Marwick, MSP for Central Fife, told the Mail that she too was pleased with the local investment in Leven and commitment to Cameronbridge.
Ms Marwick said: "This assures the future of Diageo in my constituency for a considerable period of time and I know the workforce will be as pleased as I am that their hard work has been rewarded."
