Scottish oil and gas service company Howco Group is taking on 67 new workers at its Ayrshire engineering division, it was announced yesterday.
The firm, whose subsidiaries include Aberdeen-based Howco Metals Management, is also extending its premises in Irvine.
Its new jobs – revealed by First Minister Alex Salmond during a visit- follow a £7.5million investment from Howco’s Japanese parent Sumitomo Corporation and a £750,000 regional selective assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Glasgow-headquartered Howco’s expansion will take its total Scottish workforce to more than 360, while more than 21,500sq feet is being added to the Irvine facilities to accommodate international growth plans.
The firm specialises in the provision of specialised steels and equipment for the buoyant oil and gas sector.
Howco manufacturing director Steve Hoggan said: “Our primary market in the oil and gas sector is forecast to grow strongly over the next three to five years, both in the UK and overseas.”