Hydro Group officially opened its new £4.2million headquarters yesterday at Aberdeen Science and Energy Park.
The supplier of optical and electrical products to the subsea technology sector welcomed Scotland’s first minister, Alex Salmond, to an open day at the research, design, engineering and manufacturing site.
The 40,000 square-foot premises at Bridge of Don are expected to aid Hydro’s future development of new products, including those for the renewable-energy sector.
Managing director Doug Whyte said: “The expansion has already allowed for growth in employee numbers; six extra staff have been appointed recently and Hydro is hoping to create a further six positions before the end of this financial year.”
Mr Salmond said: “Hydro’s decision to create this headquarters in Aberdeen demonstrates the company’s confidence in the local workforce, the Scottish economy and the opportunities available in the emerging sectors of renewables and marine sciences. Despite the economic downturn, Hydro has continued to grow and build on its success.
“Hydro is at the cutting edge of technical developments, particularly in the renewables sector. Renewables has huge potential for Scotland; it’s estimated that around 60,000 jobs could be created in Scotland by 2020 in low-carbon industries.”
Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, added: “Hydro Group is an excellent example of a Scottish company expanding and growing out of the recession by capitalising on the opportunities within the global energy sector.
“Despite the global economic conditions over the past two years, the company has continued to invest in its growth plans and this new research and development facility will act as a major boost for the company’s ambitions to develop its business in both the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.”
Hydro employs 72 people at the moment. Group turnover in 2009 was £4.5million and is expected to double within three years.
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