A MAJOR employer in Glasgow's East End has launched a processing plant designed to reduce its carbon footprint and make it more environmentally friendly .

Sanmex International - which manufacturers more than a million aerosol cans a week, from bodysprays to air fresheners and furniture polish - has invested £750,000 in a drive to develop new technologies.

The Dalmarnock producer, which employs more than 70 workers at its site in Downiebrae Road, sells its products to a range of major supermarkets and discount stores.

Sanmex managing director Steven Groden said: "We believe that this investment will demonstrate our commitment to the future and allow us to be more environ-mentally friendly with a reduction in waste, and also to be more energy efficient."

Sanmex was launched in 1932 and has operated from its current East End site since 1947.

It has a workforce of 71 full and part-time staff.

More than a third of its staff have been with the firm for more than a decade.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk