Renewables firm secures jobs and new factory

Traditionally involved in the supply of steel fabrications for the oil and gas industry, BiFab has diversified into the offshore wind, wave and tidal power industry – a move which has led to an increase in turnover from £20m to £90m in four years. It is now a market leader in the manufacture of Jacket substructures for offshore wind turbines and the company is aiming to treble its annual production to 130 structures per year. John Robertson, managing director, said: "This is good news for Fife and for Scotland. We are currently world leaders in the design and supply of jacket substructures for the offshore wind sector and this investment will help our plans to create one of the best manufacturing facilities in Europe. The total investment for this project will be over £14 million and we plan to have the new factories fully operational by late 2011." He added: "This investment will also ensure long-term employment opportunities for our workforce and the recruitment of additional personnel as orders increase, we are investing in the future and our commitment to training and the employment of apprentices from Fife." BiFab also announced last month that Scottish and Southern Energy has purchased a 15% stake in the business for a total consideration of £11 million.