Shetland engineering firm Ocean Kinetics has invested £3million in larger headquarters to deal with rising demand for its services.
The company has moved into a new base at the Port Business Park, Gremista, Lerwick, thanks to booming oil and gas work in the islands.
Ocean Kinetics employed fewer than 40 people last year, but its workforce now stands at 50 and it expects to add a further 10 before the year-end.
The company – which also has a site at Altens in Aberdeen – said its new home was more than double the size of its former HQ and included workshops, offices and store space.
Ocean Kinetics is targeting the growing oil and gas activity west of Shetland and onshore at Sullom Voe, plus potential renewable-energy projects, and managing director John Henderson described the relocation as an “investment for the future”.
He added: “We have invested in machinery, staff and space that will allow us to do more work to the very highest standards.
“Although we are based in Shetland, we use the skills and knowledge we have gained in the tough maritime climate here to complete jobs across the country.”
Ocean Kinetics, which had turnover of £5.5million last year, is designing and manufacturing specialist equipment for BP and other oil majors, but has worked previously on corrosion-prevention systems at Harwich International Port, cruise terminal two at Dover and Felixstowe harbour.
The engineering company contracted Shetland construction firm Hunter and Morrison to build its new base, with nearly £750,000 of the final cost coming from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Mark Georgeson, HIE’s head of business support, said: “We look forward to continuing to work with the business as it grows, building on its excellent industry reputation both locally and internationally.
“It’s another example of Shetland’s focus on developing its capacity to meet the needs of energy developments in the North Sea and beyond.”