Fort William company engineers a new future

A Fort William based engineering company is set to expand into custom-built premises at Glen Nevis Business Park.

Northern Engineering and Welding Co. Ltd (NEWCO) has been operating in the town since 1985 and following a management buyout in the year 2000, has since been under the ownership of Ron and Denise MacLennan.

Ron MacLennan, managing director, has been with the company for a number of years having originally joined as a welder/fabricator in 1986 after spending time in oilfield related engineering.

The company has built up a strong customer base, providing a range of engineering services specialising in welding, fabrication and mechanical engineering.

Now with a 19-strong workforce, Newco is keen to extend operations in its new workshop. This is an exciting step forward for the company who have been encouraged by assistance provided by Lochaber Enterprise by way of a £92,000 grant towards the build costs.

Ron explained: "The new building will provide the workforce with a much improved working environment and the larger facilities will enable the company to tender for a wider scope of work. The building will include a dedicated drawing office which will allow us to expand our design provision. We're looking forward to increasing our staff and to improving the service for our existing customers whose business we value very highly indeed. We would like to thank Lochaber Enterprise for their support which will help to take the company forward."

Charlotte Wright, chief executive, of Lochaber Enterprise said: "Newco is an important employer in the area and our support for this project will help to create high value employment opportunities. The investment is evidence of Newco's confidence in its workforce and further expands their excellent manufacturing base."

The chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise Charlotte Wright, said: "The A82 is the main conduit for traffic heading to Lochaber as well as North Argyll, Skye and the Western Isles. We continue to campaign for its long overdue upgrade, particularly as it is identified as a priority by the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership.

"The circumstances surrounding the continued presence of these lights is symptomatic of the urgent need to the Scottish Executive to press ahead with major investment in this vital route for Scotland's west coast."