West coast sand mine steps up production
Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited is set to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.
Caithness company, John Gunn & Sons was appointed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the development, following a public tendering process.
Designed by Threesixty Architecture to meet modern building standards that reflect well on the environment, the units totalling 248m2 would suit a variety of uses from the industrial or commercial sectors.
South-facing photovoltaic panels will be installed, which will convert thermal energy into electricity. EV charging points are included as part of the design as are air-source heat pumps, which will contribute towards net zero.
The project forms part of wider development by HIE to create flexible workspaces in rural locations around the Highlands and Islands.
Eann Sinclair, HIE’s area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said:
“We’re delighted to award this £2.7m contract to a local business, and it’s great to see the work by John Gunn & Sons progressing well on the site. There is considerable interest in new flexible commercial premises in Wick, either by local firms thinking about growth or companies from elsewhere looking to set up in the north.
“The new units we’re developing are designed with flexibility to meet the needs of different types of commercial activity and office space. The development is also designed to meet modern standards of insulation and energy performance, embracing our wider net zero aspirations. I look forward to further progress over the coming months.”
Ian Gunn, managing director of John Gunn & Sons, said: "We are delighted to be working with HIE on this exciting project as the main contractor. We will be working with local subcontractors and suppliers to undertake the works. Works are progressing well, with the majority of the groundworks now complete and building erection due to start mid-May.
"We installed all the infrastructure within the existing industrial estate several years ago and it’s great to see further development to the site.”
Related Articles
Argyll chocolate firm expands to meet growing demand
Fetcha Chocolates Limited is investing in new equipment to quadruple its capacity, increase turnover and create employment.
Funding award to Canna community visitor hub
A major project to create a new visitor hub on the island of Canna in Lochaber has secured a £20,000 contribution from HIE.
Argyll marine firm scales up with new high tech survey vessel
The project by Oban based Tritonia Scientific Limited will support four jobs and is forecast to increase the company’s turnover by more than £1m within three years.
Work starts on new business units in Benbecula
HIE has appointed Benbecula company D Macdonald (Building Contractors) Ltd to create seven new units at Eabhal. Business Park
Caithness fabrication firm gears up for big contracts
Gow’s Lybster Limited is installing Migatronic CoWelders that will significantly improve productivity and ensure consistent high-quality workmanship.
Contract awarded for Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
Funding boost for new Isle of Mull recording studio
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
Argyll firm to create eDNA lab for aquaculture sector
Underwater ecological survey company Ocean Ecology is developing the state-of-the-art lab in its existing facilities at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban.
New support programme launched for food and drink sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.