HIE Network Welcomes Contract Boost For Caithness

27th March 2002

The news that AGM Batteries in Thurso is to be involved in supplying high-tech batteries for a multi-million pound military radio system has been warmly welcomed by the north's development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The announcement secures the 120 jobs at the plant, and provides real potential for future expansion.

The HIE Network, through Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE), was instrumental in bringing the AGM Battery plant to Thurso 3 years ago and the plant's success is a tremendous boost to the area.

CASE chief executive Carroll Buxton said: "We were delighted to bring AGM Batteries to Thurso - and we're looking forward to working closely with them in future - this order demonstrates the huge potential that exists for the technologically-advanced batteries which are being produced there.

"This underlines the ability of Caithness, and the whole of the Highlands and Islands, to sustain this kind of high-tech manufacturing business through a combination of a skilled workforce and attractive locations.

"It also highlights the benefits to be gained from commercial exploitation of research work being carried out in the area. The technology behind the batteries being produced in Thurso was developed by AEA Technology and is now sustaining valuable jobs and development - a success which we and the HIE Network will try to encourage elsewhere."