Ferguson Group, a supplier of accommodation modules and containers for the energy industry worldwide, is to move its headquarters from Inverurie to nearby Kintore.
The firm is investing £6million in the new purpose-built base, a move which is expected to pave the way for additional jobs to be created in future.
The new premises at Midmill Business Park will house the Ferguson Group global headquarters and the Ferguson Modular hire division while the company’s manufacturing operation will remain in Harlaw Road, at Inverurie.
Kintore-based Malcolm Allan Housebuilders has designed the facility, which is due to open in May 2011.
It has just started work at the 5.25-acre site and about 50 workers will be involved in the construction.
Steven Ferguson, managing director of Ferguson Group, said: “We are very much committed to retaining our operations in the north-east and relocating part of the business to Kintore is part of our strategy for major international expansion.
“The group is investing more than £60million across operations in 2008-2011 in order to grow our business, and our operations in Aberdeenshire are a key part of our plans.
“Ferguson Group has been operating out of this region for over 30 years and we see this investment in infrastructure not only as an investment in our future, but also as an investment in the area and the people who have supported us during the past three decades.
“Creating the infrastructure we are planning for the site at Midmill will ensure we continue to provide the best possible modules and an excellent standard of service for our customers, as well as help us to attract new business.
“The space at the Inverurie facility is currently at capacity and by moving the hire division to Kintore, our manufacturing division will have the space it needs to grow and continue to produce the highest quality DNV 2.7-1 certified modules in the industry.
“The new base will also play a role in the development of the accommodation-support vessel service we have added to our portfolio of flexible accommodation solutions that includes complexes and units available for rental both in the UK and internationally.”
About 40 workers will be moving the four miles from Inverurie to the new base at Kintore. Ferguson Group employs more than 150 people in the north-east and at its operations in major global oil and gas locations.
The Ferguson Seacabs operation at Bridge of Don, in Aberdeen, is not affected by the changes.
Mr Ferguson added: “Our new HQ has been designed not only to accommodate our existing staff, but additional personnel that we anticipate we will require to meet our ambitious growth plans.
“We took our time to find the best possible site for our needs and we believe that the Midmill site, which is adjacent to the A96 and less than 10 minutes from Dyce, is the ideal location, keeping us based in Aberdeenshire and still close to many of our key clients in the city.”