Expansion underway at NEWCo
NEWCo has embarked on a £539,000 project that will significantly increase productivity and efficiency, and help meet growing demand for its services.
Its premises will be expanded by 50 per cent and two new overhead cranes will be installed.
The company secured a £172,700 contribution from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards building and plant and equipment costs.
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
Overhead cranes will make handling materials and projects more efficient, as well as improving safety and cutting carbon by reducing forklift use.
The expansion project will support five jobs, including an apprentice, and bring about an estimated £800,000 increase in annual turnover within three years.
Alan James said: “We are very pleased that the works to expand our base at Fort William are progressing. NEWCo was bought in 2015 and since that time the workload there has been increasing month on month, and we are now at a point where we need to look at what we have in place for our hardworking team and make it even more efficient for them and therefore our growing customer base.
“The building currently houses offices and a workshop, but we need more space to meet the incerased demand and to install the new overhead cranes which will make the fabrication processes more efficient. We are very pleased that Highlands and Islands Enterprise has seen the value in supporting this expansion and thank them for their support.”
NEWCo general manager, Neil Worsdall said: “The works on this expansion are ongoing. The fabrication of the steelwork for the extension is underway and will be ongoing and the civil side of the extension is also in hand. It is flat out at the NEWCo facility as we work hard to look after our growing customer base.”
Elaine Jones senior development manager with HIE’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting this great project. NEWCo has grown steadily over the years and this latest expansion will enable it to continue that growth. The increase in capacity and productivity of the business will strengthen its position as a valuable provider of skilled job opportunities in Lochaber, including apprenticeships. It will also contribute to the region’s just transition to net zero. We look forward to continuing to work with the company as the project takes shape.”
