Major investment in a specialist Orkney company will allow the business to expand its operations and take on more skilled staff.

Flotta-based Opus Plus Ltd provides a unique range of services to the offshore oil and gas industries. These enable operators to boost production efficiency and work within strict rules and regulations designed to protect the marine environment.

An investment programme costing £280,000 will result in a comprehensive upgrade and expansion of the facilities at Flotta. Opus Plus currently has a 17-strong workforce and now plans to take on four more staff.

HIE Orkney, the islands' local enterprise company, is providing funding worth £70,000 for the project.

Michael Reid, HIE Orkney's senior development manager, said: "Opus Plus provides a range of services that are unique in the Highlands and Islands - the company is recognised internationally for the specialised expertise it provides.

"We're delighted that our support will help secure the future of the operation, allow for further expansion and enable the creation of highly skilled, well paid jobs."

The company was taken over six years ago by Guildford-based entrepreneurs Nigel and Maureen Weir and, during 2005-6, generated a turnover of just under £1 million.

"This new investment programme clearly demonstrates the commitment they've shown from the start to having the operation based in Orkney," said Opus Plus engineering manager Glen McLellan.

"HIE Orkney has come in with important financial support - and has also provided invaluable assistance as we've developed a strategy to move the business forward."

Opus Plus offers a range of services designed to help offshore oil and gas operators protect the marine environment from discharges of oil and other pollutants. The company can mimic oil and gas production conditions at its test centre, enabling clients to fine-tune and develop effluent treatment systems in carefully controlled surroundings.

It also operates a marine laboratory, where chemicals used by the oil industry undergo extensive environmental testing to ensure they are acceptable for use offshore.

The company describes its facilities as an important asset for the UK and international oil and gas industries and an ideal base for research and development activities.

"Our task is to ensure that clients can operate in an environmentally friendly manner, within a strictly regulated marine environment," said Mr McLellan.

"We're looking to expand our client base and widen still further the range of services we already offer.

"This comprehensive upgrade of our facilities has come at a time when we're looking forward to a really busy period of work.

 "As well as investing in our test facilities and equipment, our office accommodation and IT systems have been given a complete makeover - increasing efficiency with improved communications, wellbeing and morale for our staff."

HIE Orkney is also providing training support for Opus Plus, which is helping the company to run a skills development programme for staff in line with its commitment to the Investors in People initiative.