L&N (Scotland) Ltd has spent more than £400,000 in upgrading its Aberdeen premises and installing new equipment.
The investment comes on the back of several subsea contract wins in the UK North Sea and South America and follows a recruitment surge in which staff numbers has increased from 30 to 45.
The independently owned company supply, repair, refurbish and modify valves, actuators and control panel systems used in the oil and gas sector. L&N also conduct weld cladding and fabrication services and manufacture subsea control system.
The bulk of the investment has focussed on extending facilities at its Dyce base, including building a new test bay for gas testing, flushing and hydro capabilities, reinforcing floor areas and improving access for large pieces of machinery. A new sealed “clean room” for handling exotic materials has been created and meets with the latest industry standards.
L&N (Scotland) managing director, Alastair Chalmers , said: “ This is a significant investment in infrastructure for a company of our size and it demonstrates our pro-active approach to reviewing and improving the services we provide to our clients.
“Cleanliness issues are important in our industry and our clean room for dealing with exotic metals not only exceeds the expected requirements of our industry, but is way above the standards of a typical fabrication shop.”
During the industry downturn, L&N employed less than 30 staff but recruitment is ongoing and it expects to break the 50 barrier by the end of the year, up from its current 45 strong team.
Mr Chalmers said: “ We invest as much in our people as we do in the nuts and bolts on the shop floor. Training and mentoring of our youngsters, both in-house and by supporting them in gaining appropriate professional qualifications, gives us the skills to grow and means we can offer clients the latest technological developments.”
[mappress] Source: L&N , October 20 , 2011