A family run engineering fabrication firm in Caithness is investing in a project to improve productivity, grow business turnover and create new jobs.
Gow’s Lybster Limited has been working with development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) over several years to develop its growth plans.
This latest investment by the company comes after it secured two major new contracts from outwith the region. HIE has awarded more than £60,000 towards the total project costs of £243,000.
The funding will enable Gow’s to install two new high tech Migatronic CoWelders, or ‘cobots’. Capable of operating at pace around the clock and to high spec, these new machines will significantly improve productivity and ensure consistent high-quality workmanship.
The company will train some existing employees on the use of the cobots, while continuing to recruit apprentices to ensure a supply of trained welders coming into the business.
Over the next three years the increase in production capacity is expected to create four new full time equivalent jobs, boost annual turnover by around £1m and lead to more large-scale fabrication contract wins.
Hilary Budge senior development manager with HIE’s Caithness and Sutherland team said:
“Gow’s Lybster has been around for nearly twenty years and is an important part of the local economy, with specialist expertise in technology and advanced engineering. The company has done well to compete successfully for major contracts from outwith the area.
“This project will see the latest technology brought into the firm, improving productivity and quality, thereby strengthening its position to bid competitively for more large-scale contracts. The investment will help attract new talent, develop the engineering sector and diversify the local economy, which in turn will help benefit community resilience.
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support the project and look forward to continuing to work with the company.”
Wullie Robertson, managing director of Gow’s Lybster Limited, said:
“The introduction of new technologies along with the upskilling of our existing workforce and the recruitment of further apprentices will secure the company’s future manufacturing capability and capacity.
“The investment will allow us to secure further contracts from across the UK and to bring the manufacturing operations to Caithness. We very much welcome and appreciate HIE’s involvement in our success over the past 20 years.”
Related Articles
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.
Lochaber fabrication firm in further expansion
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
John O’Groats marks 15 years of ‘remarkable’ transformation
The transformation at John O’Groats has attracted millions of pounds in investment through private, public and community-led initiatives.
Advanced technology will give Caithness firm a competitive edge
The new Leica scanner will enable Envision to offer a broader range of services to existing and new clients.
£250k boost for new whisky distillery in Caithness
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
50 plus jobs supported by HIE in Caithness and Sutherland in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
Project to market a safer sustainable bulk bag
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
100+ jobs supported by HIE in Moray in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
Argyll's new £8.1m building will strengthen marine industries
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.