A Caithness quarry company is set to create almost 40 new jobs after forming a unique partnership with an Italian company to open up new global markets.

The £2 million joint venture is between Caithness Slate Products Ltd (CSP) and International Slate Industries Srl. (Italy). This development represents a major diversification for CSP who are adding further value to their flagstone product by way of calibrating and polishing it, using techniques successfully deployed by their Italian partners, combined with the unparalleled mineral resources of Calder Stone of Caithness.

Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) is supporting CSP's business expansion with a financial package worth £377,900 towards £1.145 million worth of costs.  Funding from CASE includes a £171,800 HIE Efficiency grant - a European-funded programme which aims to encourage businesses to upgrade their processes in order to improve efficiency

The development will secure the employment of five existing staff and create 39 full time jobs in manufacturing and production.

Over the past few years there has been a revival in the use of natural materials in the construction industry which has led to an increase in demand for natural stone products in major building contracts throughout the UK.  CSP has recognised the lucrative potential of this niche market.

The erection of a new building at the Calder Quarry and the acquisition of an adjoining quarry, along with the purchase of innovative plant and equipment will provide CSP with a state of the art facility.  This will allow new manufacturing processes to be developed, leading to increased turnover and new international markets. Products will range from roof tiles to polished floor tiles and external paving, marketed as "Calder Stone of Caithness".

CSP was set up in October 2000 by Trevor Somny and his wife Audrey who are also directors of Inverness Fireplace and Marble Centre, Perth Fireplace and Marble Centre and Tarradale Stone Products Ltd.

The company recently re-opened a redundant quarry at Achavrole with the objective of quarrying and processing Caithness slate for roofing and flooring purposes.  With CASE assistance, a new building was erected and equipment installed. Production of roof tiles and flagstone paving started in January 2001.

International Slate Company Srl (ISC) is a world leader in the supply of quality slate.  Based in Genoa, Italy the company has over 27 years experience in quarrying and manufacturing slate products. ISC has been involved in the supply of slate for a number of prestigious national and international projects including the University of Limoges in France and the Office of the United Nations in Geneva.

They have devised a number of processing techniques to transform the traditional Calder slate material into a complete range of products, featuring unique varieties and combinations in a rich variety of colours, tones and textures.

Trevor Somny, managing director of CSP, said: "Our partnership with ISC and the expansion of our quarry reserves in Calder has enabled us to target market niches hitherto untapped by Caithness Slate.

 "Our investment in people, technology, marketing and product development has resulted in a new range of products that is creating major interest in the UK and beyond.

 "CASE have played a major role in supporting this development strategy as have our shareholders and customers.  Our partnership with ISC ought to quickly increase our pan-European penetration as well as impact on North American markets."

Carroll Buxton, chief executive of CASE said: "This project is an excellent example of how businesses can apply an innovative approach to expanding and diversifying.  Caithness Slate Products have focussed on adding value to an already high quality raw material to produce a product aimed at a new market.

"Traditionally Caithness slate has been used as an external paving material and this development will help the business gain a greater market share in the internal flooring market. The business has already identified considerable interest in their product at home and abroad."