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Quay secures marine engineering leader
17 August 2009
A South West-based leader in marine engineering has signed an
agreement to build new premises at Osprey Quay on Portland enabling
the business to grow, potentially creating up to 20 new jobs.
Specialised Technologies Group Limited, which is currently
located in Weymouth, has agreed terms with the South West Regional
Development Agency (RDA) to build 25,000sq ft of commercial
engineering and office space.
The company has been working with South West RDA and Weymouth
& Portland Borough Council for some time and detailed plans for
the new facilities have already been approved by the Borough
Council. Construction is due to begin in September and completed by
Christmas 2010. The South West RDA bought Osprey Quay, a former
Royal Navy Air Station, in 2000 and is investing around £40 million
to create a centre for marine business and leisure activity.
The private-sector investment in this new workspace is worth
more than £3 million. Once completed, the company, which currently
employs 19 full-time members of staff, aims to create up to 20 new
jobs.
Alison Hatcher, Head of Regeneration for the South West RDA in
Dorset, said: "This is fantastic news and a real endorsement of
Osprey Quay's potential as a high quality business location for
marine industries. The future growth of the marine sector in the
South West is hugely important and the commitment by Specialised
Technologies Group Ltd to develop and invest in its business in the
region is very welcome particularly during these difficult
times."
She added: "With the continuing regeneration of Osprey Quay, the
Agency is firmly committed to the future creation of skilled jobs
and unlocking the business potential of this world-class site to
attract other marine related companies."
Specialised Technologies Group Ltd is the parent organisation of
a family of specialist companies providing underwater and offshore
expert maintenance services to global defence, commercial marine
and civil engineering clients. Its work includes ship repair and
modification, engineering and application of protective coatings
within the marine industry. The firm contributes around £2 million
every year to the local economy and believes this will grow to £5
million over the next few years.
David Williams, Group Managing Director for Specialised
Technologies Group Ltd commented: "Osprey Quay is a tremendous
location and offers just the right environment for our business.
The RDA's investment in Osprey Quay is absolutely vital and the
Agency must be congratulated on bringing this former Naval site
back into use for employment purposes - we are very supportive of
what the RDA is doing."
He added: "We want to be able to provide globally-renowned
facilities at Portland and create a hub for marine services on the
south coast. Our work is highly technical and specialised and these
new facilities offer the opportunity to grow the business for the
benefit of our clients, and offer a broader mix of services and
more high-tech skills as a result."
He continued: "We want to attract more commercial business to
Portland and work with the owners of Portland Port and Weymouth
& Portland Borough Council to maximise the benefits for the
local economy."
Councillor Geoff Petherick, Economy Briefholder at Weymouth
& Portland Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to see that
the close partnership between the Council SWRDA and this private
company has come to fruition and are confident that this
development will both generate valuable new jobs on Portland and
also set the scene for other marine base investment at Osprey Quay.
This investment will help confirm Osprey Quay and the Borough as a
destination for quality marine business. We commend Specialised
Technologies Group for making this investment and wish them well
for the future."
Ends
For more information contact:
Ryan Martinez
Deborah Clark Associates
Tel: 01208 77900
Mobile: 07887 746569
Email: ryan.martinez@dca-pr.co.uk
Notes to Editors
1) The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic
recovery.