Gaia-Wind Ltd has announced the creation of a new production and worldwide distribution centre for Small Wind Turbines close to the site of the 200 year old Port Dundas Distillery, where drinks giant Diageo announced the closure of their plant with 140 job losses last year.

Glasgow MSP Bob Doris, who supported workers in their campaign to keep the Diageo plant open, has hailed the announcement from Gaia-Wind as a 'promising future for Port Dundas'. It is anticipated that the firm will create up to 50 full-time high skilled engineering jobs, with ambitious growth plans. The base is due to open in March 2011.

Mr Doris said: "I am delighted to have been invited by the firm to the opening of the site in March. These jobs are exactly the sort of long-term manufacturing prospect that Glasgow needs to attract.

"It was a very different scene at Port Dundas only last year when the Distillery workers were handed their notice. Port Dundas has a number of key benefits as an industrial centre for businesses to invest in and I think the decision by Gaia-Wind demonstrates both faith in the site and in the local workforce, particularly as we look forward to Scotland's renewable energy revolution.

"Gaia-Wind have plans for growth and to increase exports through the Glasgow site. These are sustainable, high value jobs for Glasgow.

"We must do all we can to welcome international investors to Glasgow to develop this exciting industry of the future."