
A solar energy manufacturer in Forres, Moray is to continue its expansion in a move that will increase turnover, create jobs and take the next steps towards employee ownership.
Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. It’ll save you time, help you find and organise content based on your needs and interests.
Forres firm, AJ Engineering has secured investment of up to £420,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the project, which will see up to 36 new jobs created over the same period.
The company has expanded its manufacturing sites, adding 4.7 acres by purchasing neighbouring land which was previously owned by Moray Council.
The development will include the refurbishment of the existing buildings at the former sawmill site at Waterford and a new automated fabrication facility will be installed.
The firm is already a significant employer in the Forres area, currently employs around 80 staff at the existing Greshop Industrial sites including seven apprentices.
Owner Alan James said: “HIE has been fully involved in the development of these plans and supported us in this project with a grant for our investment in the first and second phases.
“We had previously rented the buildings and ground from Moray Council and we were delighted that they agreed to sell the site to enable our future development plans.
“This investment will make us more efficient and it will provide the company with the ability to increase its throughput but at a lower production cost. The new equipment will mean that our skilled fabricators will be available to concentrate on the more technical projects and no longer have to spend time measuring or marking beams or drilling them as the new machine will be able to do all this automatically from the details downloaded directly from our drawing office. With the skilled workforce being available we will be able to seek a greater number complex projects.”
Steve Richards, business development account manager with HIE, said: “Moray is renowned for innovation and manufacturing across many sectors and AJ Engineering is a key part of this. This is a fantastic project and a great example of a dynamic Scottish manufacturing firm pursuing its growth ambitions through innovation and automation.
“It’s also brilliant news for Forres and the wider local economy, particularly in relation to the expectations of new opportunities for young people through apprenticeships.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide support and very much look forward to seeing the new facility take shape.”
A solar energy manufacturer in Forres, Moray is to continue its expansion in a move that will increase turnover, create jobs and take the next steps towards employee ownership.
A three-year project to restore confidence and resilience in Moray’s tourism sector, has secured £350,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
A charity set up to support social enterprises across Moray has secured up to £63,360 from HIE.
Dr Stuart Black has been appointed area manager for HIE in Moray.
A Moray based video production company is set to increase its turnover and international sales in a £121,245 business development programme.
A solar energy manufacturer in Forres, Moray is set to expand and create new jobs.
Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners across Moray are being invited to apply for an intensive 13-week accelerator programme designed to fast-track their business growth and success.
The Moray Growth Deal announced today (11 July) will see £65 million invested in creating high-value jobs, strengthening local communities and safeguarding the future of the local economy.
Businesses are being offered a free day’s trial of flexible hot desk work spaces in one of three locations in the Highlands and Islands on 6 June.
The arrival in Moray of spaceflight company, Orbex, which is expected to bring more than 130 jobs to the region, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).