Aberdeen company Rubberatkins has announced a £3million expansion plan for 2009.
The firm said yesterday it would be investing the cash in new premises and equipment to increase its manufacturing and testing capabilities.
Rubberatkins, which designs and makes custom-made elastomer components for the oil and gas industry, said strong growth over the past few years had led it to outgrow its current space at Hareness Road, Altens, Aberdeen.
Its purpose-built new property will provide the firm with 12,500 square feet of production and warehouse space and 5,500sq ft of office space across two storeys.
The firm will move into the new building in the third quarter of the year.
Nick Atkins, director of Rubberatkins, said: “We have experienced significant growth aided by our investment in our research and development facilities.
“We launched a new range of products earlier in the year and also installed hi-tech laboratory equipment to enhance our rubber compound development.
“We have purchased new production equipment to increase our manufacturing capacity, so as our operations have grown so too has our need for more space.
“Our new premises will be located at Aberdeen Science and Technology Park, Bridge of Don, and will be twice the size of our current premises.”
Construction of the new base is expected to begin early this year.
Mr Atkins added: ” New, larger workshop facilities will allow us to continue to provide our clients with robust and reliable rubber sealing solutions.
“In line with this we will also be expanding our workforce and plan to recruit a business-development manager with completion tool experience to market our products worldwide.”
The firm has a payroll of 76 and expects to recruit an additional nine people by summer.