Cambrian Engineering Limited - manufacturers of wind turbine towers and foundations for the onshore and offshore renewable energy sector - is about to put itself into administration.  The appointment of administrators for the Bangor-based firm is expected to be made tomorrow (Thursday 5th February), however the business can continue to trade in the short-term.

Western Isles Enterprise (WIE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, supported Cambrian's location to the Arnish Point Industrial Estate, Stornoway.

Chief executive of WIE, Donnie Macaulay said: "It is regrettable that Cambrian Engineering is going into administration.  The renewables sector is an evolving industry but delays in windfarm developments have no doubt had a negative impact on the company's order book.

"We will be working very closely with the proposed administrators, Robson Rhodes, over the coming weeks and months to help secure a manufacturing facility at Arnish.

"Obviously our first priority is to assist any staff who are affected by this move via the PACE initiative.  This means that WIE, with our partners in the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Jobcentre Plus and M:PLOY - a dedicated resource centre designed to assist unemployed professionals find appropriate employment - will be contacting employees to offer them access to a range of practical help in finding new work or training opportunities."

Despite this unfortunate setback, Mr Macaulay insists that the outlook for Arnish Point Industrial Estate is very positive and that the Western Isles remains in a strong position to harness the growing renewables industry.

He continued: "The redevelopment of Arnish will create a multi-user industrial estate of international class.  Our current investment is helping to develop the yard's capacity and flexibility and stern efforts are being made to attract other potential inward investors.

"WIE and HIE remain committed to promoting a renewables manufacturing industry in the Western Isles and a site such as Arnish Point is a great asset, which we believe is set to play a significant role."