New facility at port to create dozens of jobs

Work on a new manufacturing facility for the offshore energy sector at Montrose Port has been completed, with dozens of jobs to follow.

Balmoral Group has invested a seven-figure sum in the new-build facility, and said 30-40 skilled and semi-skilled jobs will be created initially.

More jobs are expected as the business arm grows.

Large-scale components for the offshore energy sector will be created at the 18,299 sq ft base.

These include huge composite structures for subsea protection, wave energy structures, manifold covers and wellhead protection equipment.

Balmoral Group was founded in 1980 by chairman and managing director Sir Jim Milne,.

It already provides protection products, buoyancy and tethering solutions to the offshore wind industry.

Sir Jim said: “We are delighted to have reached this stage of our expansion at Montrose so quickly. The facility is operational now and we are completing product prototypes on site.

“We hope to welcome clients to view our capabilities very soon.

“While the offshore renewables sector is moving apace this facility will also service the traditional offshore energy market with large scale advanced composites structures.”

Montrose Port already supports 400 jobs, worth £15 million to the regional economy.

It is actively involved in operations and maintenance (O&M) for the Seagreen windfarm, off the Angus coast.

Also in the pipeline is the Inch Cape windfarm, with its O&M at Montrose to start in the new year.

Montrose Port Authority chief executive Tom Hutchison said: “Like us, Balmoral focuses on its team, knowing that its people are its greatest asset.

“We are delighted to have them join our port community, creating new jobs for our town and boosting our regional economy.

“Balmoral’s services are greatly welcomed as they will attract new business to the port within the current energy markets we already serve, as well as the growing renewables sector, aligning with our ambition to position ourselves as a renewables hub for the region.”

“We are delighted to have reached this stage of our expansion

COMPLETE: CEO of Montrose Port Authority Tom Hutchison, chairman and managing director of Balmoral Group Sir Jim Milne, chairman of Montrose Port Authority board Peter Stuart and Subsea Test general manager at Balmoral Comtec Derek Weir.