Media Release: HIE approves assistance to Ross-shire engineering firm

HIGHLABDSand Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved £620,000 funding towards the expansion of a local engineering and fabrication firm.

Isleburn Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Global Energy Group Ltd, applied for HIE funding towards a new fabrication workshop and shot blast and paint shop in Invergordon.

HIE has approved up to £433,040 with an additional £186,960 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) towards the project.

Susan Smith, head of Operations for HIE, said: “Invergordon and the area to the north of the Cromarty Firth has a wealth of fabrication and welding skills.

“Global Energy Group is a major player in the global energy and engineering sector and its increased investment in the area is strongly welcomed.

“HIE is delighted to be able to offer support to the project as it has the potential to put the Cromarty Firth at the forefront of the renewables industry in Scotland and possibly the UK.”

Isleburn Ltd currently has around 260 staff, of which 57 are direct employees, across four locations in the Highlands; Nigg, Evanton, Deephaven and Invergordon. The new fabrication workshop will be built on land leased from the Cromarty Firth Port Authority with the shot blast and paint shop located at the Cromarty Firth Industrial Estate.

Both facilities will enable the business to potentially employ an additional 61 staff directly and 600 contract workers, supporting the business to compete worldwide in opportunities arising in the renewables industry.

ENDS

HIE’s role is to develop sustainable economic growth across the region. To achieve this it creates infrastructure for future investment, assists large and small businesses with growth aspirations and has a unique role strengthening communities, particularly in fragile areas.

HIE supports the growth ambitions of business and social enterprise clients by creating close working relationships in order to accelerate growth in turnover, profitability, wage levels, exports and therefore Gross Value Added (GVA) in the HIE area.

HIE also invests in transformational projects across the region to make the Highlands and Islands a more competitive and attractive place to live, work, study and grow.

The region covered by HIE takes in more than half of Scotland, and is home to around 440,000 people.  See www.hie.co.uk for more information.

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.

Contact: HIE Communications
Phone: 01463 244235

Website: http://www.hie.co.uk