Fishers Future Set Fair

“Anyone who visits our plant in Aberfeldy is usually surprised by how high tech the operation is,” Operations Manager Colin Mackintosh told Comment. “Sometimes the expectation is of a factory like an old steamie washroom. When people actually see our advanced washing machines, environmental controls, clean room facility, automated processes and computerised tracking system it can be quite a revelation.”

He highlighted, as an example, the plant’s garment clean room, one of only two in Scotland. This section cleans garments used by electronic companies in their clean rooms, and the air within it is changed 440 times every hour.

Another high tech element is the plant’s computerised tracking system, which uses bar code technology to tell the life history of any garment. Such traceability is essential for meeting the needs of major healthcare contracts.

Local Economy Contribution
Ongoing investment supports the Aberfeldy plant’s position as one of the largest employers in the Highland Perthshire area, with the core 70 staff increasing to over 100 in the peak summer season. This means an annual wage bill in excess of £2.1 million, which has obvious importance to the local economy.

Colin emphasised: “The Fishers philosophy has always been, and will remain, to play a positive role within the community. For example, we buy as many services and materials as possible from local suppliers.

“We also ensure there are good training development opportunities for employees which we believe contributes to our very low staff turnover of 1.5% per year.”

Indeed a number of employees at the plant are second or third generation families. One of those is Adriana Moir, who not only heads the help desk team of three, but drives the company bus for staff that commute from Blairgowrie.

Staff and Eco Credentials
Adriana said: “My gran, mum, dad and auntie have all worked at the Aberfeldy plant. I remember my gran first took me to the plant when I was nine years old, so, when people ask, I joke that I have 14 years experience of working here. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a range of departments which is good experience for what I now do on the help desk.”

Another element that reflects both Fishers’ ongoing investment and commitment to the wider community is its strong environmental credentials.

Colin emphasised: “Our main washing machine is up to 65% more efficient than a typical household system, and careful recycling of liquids means these don’t use a lot of water.

“In addition, the plant holds a number of international environmental standards which we are constantly assessed against to ensure we retain.”

Victor Ward, Fishers managing director, who led the successful management buyout in 2004, and himself a previous plant manager at Aberfeldy, added: “This plant remains a cornerstone for the Fishers group and in ensuring we retain our position as one of the UK’s largest independent laundry companies.

“I think it is telling that the senior production managers from all four of our Scottish plants trained at Aberfeldy.”