Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, has welcomed the announcement that Dumbarton-based Aggreko will create 23 new skilled jobs at its facility at Lomondgate as part of £33 million investment plans for the site.
The jobs boost for West Dunbartonshire comes as global power supply firm Aggreko was awarded a £1.5 million research & development grant by Scottish Enterprise to support the development of low carbon power generators for the future.
The three projects supported by the Scottish Government backed grant include expanding the use of solar-diesel hybrid energy storage products, increasing integration of renewable energy into battery storage and improving energy efficiency.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited Aggreko’s Lomondgate site in Dumbarton to announce the Scottish Government’s backing for the company’s £33 million Future Technology Project.
Martin Docherty-Hughes, SNP MP for West Dunbartonshire, said:
“It’s great news that Aggreko’s Future Technology Project has received backing from the Scottish Government – bringing skilled jobs, investment and innovation to West Dunbartonshire.
“Scotland is at the forefront of developing low carbon energy technologies which have the potential to bring significant environmental and employment benefits to our local communities.
“This multi-million pound investment is a fantastic boost for the local economy and shows that West Dunbartonshire is a great place to do business for innovative world-leading firms like Aggreko.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Our aspiration is for Scotland to once again be the inventor and manufacturer of the innovations that shape the future. That is why our Programme for Government saw business R&D grants boosted by 70%. Therefore, I am delighted this funding is having an impact on firms like Aggreko, setting the pace for ambitious, innovative businesses all over the country.
“With 23 highly skilled jobs being created in Dumbarton and significant investment by the company, it is hugely encouraging that Aggreko regard Scotland as the perfect place for them to grow their business.
“As our new Energy Strategy sets out, it is crucial that we find new ways to ensure energy is produced efficiently, and integrates renewable and low carbon technology – as is the case with these developments by Aggreko.”
