The Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace officially opened Cambrian Engineering's new manufacturing plant on the Isle of Lewis today (Wednesday 20th August).

Cambrian Engineering, manufacturers of wind turbine towers for the onshore and offshore renewable energy sector, is the first tenant within the developing Arnish Point Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Stornoway.

As part of his visit to the Western Isles this week, Jim Wallace MSP toured Cambrian Engineering's new premises this morning and spoke of the importance of the renewable energy sector to the economy of the Highlands and Islands.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Wallace said: "The Executive is committed to exploiting Scotland's renewables potential to the full. A thriving renewables industry has the potential to enhance Scotland's manufacturing capacity, and provide significant job opportunities."

Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) - who together are redeveloping the former oil fabrication yard at a cost of £12 million, with £1.7 million from the European Regional Development Fund - supported Cambrian Engineering's move to the Western Isles with a £2.6 million financial support package.

The company moved into the main fabrication workshop at Arnish in early July and now employs 65 staff at the site.  Cambrian Engineering already has a tower manufacturing factory in Bangor in Wales, which has supplied 95 per cent of towers for UK windfarms since 1999, and also employs 65 people.
 
David Williams, managing director of Cambrian Engineering said: "I am delighted that the Deputy First Minister was able to officiate at today's opening ceremony.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to HIE and WIE for their financial support and for being able to provide us with these premises so quickly.  Arnish is an ideal location because it can cater for large, heavy weight components for wind farm projects and has good sea access.  Most important, the local workforce is very skilled and accustomed to achieving high quality standards."

He added: "At the moment Scotland is leading the UK in demonstrating its support for the renewables sector.  Scotland, and the Highlands and Islands in particular, has a wonderful store of natural resources for renewable technologies and the area deserves success because of its positive and supportive approach to the growth of this industry."

HIE chief executive Sandy Cumming said: "The official opening of Cambrian Engineering's facility at Arnish marks a major milestone in the redevelopment of the yard.

"I recognise that the Western Isles has specific development needs, which is why the area remains a priority area for HIE.  Our commitment to this project, which will in time, create over 100 full-time jobs for the Island, is evidence of that."

Donnie Macaulay, WIE chief executive said: "Our plan to create a multi-user industrial estate with a heavy focus on the renewables sector is fast becoming a reality.  However, there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of the creation of new development land around the yard and new buildings for potential tenants.

"So far, we are very encouraged by the response from interested parties considering locating to the yard."