Engineering firms on rebound

Scotland’ s engineering businesses have reported a further quarter of improving orders, output and staffing levels.

Firms are also looking forward with a“positive approach” to the next three months, according to the latest snapshot from industry body Scottish Engineering.

Its report showed that total order intake across all sizes and sectors was better than both of the previous two quarters, which followed seven quarters when the returns were negative. This has resulted in staffing increases, the trade organisation noted. Export orders, meanwhile, were higher in the first two quarters of 2017 than they were in the preceding 13 quarters, aided by the weak pound.

Optimism across the industry was similar to the first quarter of 2017 which marked a considerable increase compared to the previous two years.

BryanBuch an, chief executive ofScottish Engineering, said: “Particularly strong growth has come through in staffing levels and despite this, levels of overtime working continue to be relatively high.

“Not surprisingly, against thisbackground optimism remains high. Initially, when the exchange rate against sterling fell, the Scottish engineering sector took some time to catch up with the rest of the UK in terms of export orders.

“That may have been down to the fact that most of our orders go to the rest of the UK and it took us somewhat longer to hit the export trail.

Buchan added :“For the second consecutive year our Scottish Engineering/ Incorporation of Hammer men of Glasgow Award presented to a young graduate was won by a young lady.

“This year it was won by Meryl Devlin of Aggreko in Dumbarton.”