Two more firms move into Dunstaffnage
TWO more companies have been welcomed on to the European Marine Science Park (EMSP), a development by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) at Dunstaffnage.
Aquaculture firm Fusion Marine Ltd and ALIenergy (Argyll, Lomond and the Isles Energy Agency) have recently moved into the park’s Malin House.
They join 10 other firms, including micro-algae technology specialist Xanthella Ltd, which is expanding into new laboratory facilities.
The arrival of two more tenants to Malin House sees the number of employees based in the building increase to more than 30.
Morag Goodfellow, senior development manager at HIE, said there was increasing commercial sector interest in and inquiries about the Park.
She added: ‘We’re delighted to welcome the new tenants to Malin House and the expansion in the range of marine expertise they bring to the park. The EMSP is recognised internationally as a prime location for marine science and related industries.
‘Malin House is designed to accommodate the needs of a wide range of occupiers, to encourage collaboration between tenants and to promote links with education and research led by the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS).’
Stephen Divers, managing director of Fusion Marine, a leading supplier of fish farming equipment, said: ‘We have moved our administration function from Barcaldine to Malin House, which will enable us to benefit from the synergies created by being part of the cluster of scientific expertise at Dunstaffnage, aiding in aquaculture research and development programmes.’ Lynda Mitchell, from ALIenergy, added: ‘Our company works in community renewals and local energy, including algal solutions for the local energy economy, so Malin House is a great base for us, especially for networking with other marine-based businesses.’
Xanthella Ltd has been a tenant in the building from the beginning. Now its algal photobioreactor business has expanded, it has been able to take on an additional suite at Malin House.
MD Douglas MacKenzie said: ‘HIE has commissioned a laboratory and office fitout ideal for our needs. The EMSP is fast becoming a renowned location for marine science and Xanthella is pleased to be part of this thriving cluster of innovative marine businesses.’
Biotechnology company Cuantec Ltd has also established a base within the onsite business incubator, hosted by SAMS. Its focus is on producing innovative packaging products from shellfish waste products.
HIE has been developing the EMSP over the past few years, supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund for the first phase development, known as Malin House.
Go to www.europeanmarinesciencepark. co.uk