£5.1 million boost to research jobs
19 new jobs to be created at Livingston firm
West Lothian’s oil and gas sector is set for a £5.1 million boost.
Scaled Solutions in Livingston will receive £ 2.2 million from Scottish Enterprise while investing £2.9 million of their own money in research and development.
The company will also create 19 new jobs at its Livingston base, with 17 of those working on a project that will enable the company to develop new testing services to address knowledge and technology gaps in corrosion and scaling mechanisms.
Economy secretary Keith Brown said: “Scotland’s oil and gas supply chain is internationally acclaimed and this investment will further enhance its reputation.
“It will enable Scaled Solutions to develop an exciting range of services targeted at clients in the North Sea and across the world.
“The investment will also create high-value and highly- skilled positions working directly in research and development.
“This will not only be welcome news for the local economy in and around Livingston but helps to strengthen Scotland’s position as a champion of new ideas and innovative approaches.”
The company’s managing director Gordon Graham said: “This is the largest R&D project we’ve undertaken to date and we believe it will transform our current capabilities and services, creating solutions not available anywhere else in the world.
“We’ve decided to significantly i n c rease our innovat i o n investment as it’ll put us at the forefront of production chemistry and corrosion testing, giving us excellent competitive advantage and an opportunity to capture stronger global market share.”
The investment was also welcomed by executive councillor for development and transport Cathy Muldoon, who said: “This is exactly the type of highly-skilled quality employment that we are keen to grow locally here in West Lothian. Our area is a great place to work and live and it is well placed to support local businesses and companies wishing to relocate here.”
Adrian Gillespie of Scottish Enterprise said: “Our R&D grants are vital in helping companies invest in projects which otherwise simply would not happen in Scotland.
“That’s why we’re investing over £22 million in R&D support this year, which is an increase on last year, given the strong levels of demand and the positive impact R&D investment has on Scotland’s productivity and growth.
“Looking ahead, we have a strong pipeline of R&D support that will leverage even more investment into Scotland’s economy.”