Drop-in sessions for a major £50 million investment project near Auchinleck have come to an end.

Wood products firm EGGER was holding the information sessions to inform the public about a proposed expansion of its site on the Barony Road.

The company says it wants to add a state-of-the-art production line to its Barony site and to create 35 new jobs in the area.

Two detailed drop-in sessions were held at EGGER's Barony Road site on May 3 and May 17.

READ MORE: Jobs boost lined up as firm plans £50m Auchinleck site expansion

Members of the project team guided the local community through the proposals and to see how the plant operates.

A 'proposal of application notice' currently lies with East Ayrshire Council.

EGGER says it hopes to submit a formal planning application to the local authority this summer, with further public exhibitions set to be planned for June.

If all goes well, the company plans to begin work in August.

Many locals attended the information days, including Ballochmyle councillor, William Lennox.

Cllr Lennox said: "I went on to attend a public consultation event hosted by the EGGER Barony Plant in Auchinleck.

"As part of a long-term vision for the company, EGGER hopes to extend the existing plant with the addition of a building which will house up to three lamination lines, as well as additional warehouse and storage space to support new advanced manufacturing.

"Local residents and community representatives also in attendance were fully briefed in respect of their proposals, which allowed the EGGER Barony management team to gather feedback and answer any questions.

"Many thanks to Kirsty O’Brien for hosting the visit and to the plant director, Heiko Lichtblau, for the updates."

Cumnock Chronicle: Cllr William Lennox in attendance.Cllr William Lennox in attendance. (Image: Cllr Claire Leitch and Cllr William Lennox - Ballochmyle, East Ayrshire)

Heiko Lichtblau, plant director technical/production at EGGER, said: “We are delighted to be in a position to grow our plant with a refreshed vision for the next five years.

“We are committed to our Barony plant, and value our ongoing discussions with local residents.

"The positive relationships we have built with our neighbouring communities shows that they share our wish to see Barony flourish further."

For more information about the proposed plans at EGGER Barony, visit their website.