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."
Related Businesses
Related Articles
28/11/2025
Workforce North event spotlights Highland economy
EMPLOYERS and educators from across the Highlands have gathered to hear how a new initiative is aiming to transform the region's economy. Workforce North - A Call to Action brought together business leaders and teachers from primary and secondary schools from across the Highland Council area with a wide range of partners geared towards education, learning and skills development at Strathpeffer Pavillion.
25/11/2025
Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prize
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been challenged to design a tartan and be in with a chance of winning a £1,500 cash prize. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched THE COMPETITION to mark 60 years since the regional development agency (then named Highlands and Islands Development Board) was established in November 1965.
25/11/2025
The Rural AI Roadshow - How AI can help your rural business thrive
Scotland's enterprise agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise) The Scottish AI Alliance and The Data Lab have joined forces to plan and deliver an inspiring and educational Rural AI Roadshow. There will be three, one day, Rural AI Roadshow conferences taking place across Scotland in January 2026.
25/11/2025
Digital and AI innovation round-up for November
Scotland's digital future is accelerating, with AI and tech innovation transforming businesses. In this blog, HIE's Theresa Swayne shares November insights on funding, leadership, and how organisations can harness technology to stay ahead.
25/11/2025
Reflections from SEWF Rural: global lessons for the Highlands and Islands social impact economy
As we mark 60 years since the region's economic and community development agency was established, it's timely to reflect on the global aspects of our work on shaping rural futures. The recent Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) Rural Gathering in Sabah, Malaysia, welcomed changemakers from Australia, Ireland, India, Canada.
19/11/2025
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide - FREE To Download
Scottish Enterprise's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide provides an overview of more than 150 organisations that support new and growing companies in Scotland. The guide includes incubators, accelerators, specialist industry programmes, co-working spaces and networking organisations.
18/11/2025
Funding approved for Wick Harbour port consultant
A specialist ports consultant has been appointed to develop a long-term strategic plan for Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in Caithness. WHA has secured £47,775 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Nuclear Restoration Services, NRS Dounreay towards the cost of the services.
16/11/2025
Enterprise and innovation agencies join forces in new framework
Scotland's three enterprise agencies have joined the UK's national innovation agency to agree a collaboration framework that aims to help Scotland become one of the most innovative small nations in the world. The Innovation Collaboration Framework for Scotland brings together Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Innovate UK with a commitment to support ambitious businesses to invest in research to drive economic growth, create good jobs and help tackle major societal and environmental challenges.
8/11/2025
£3.4m HIE investment in Arnish Road, Stornoway
The project, led by the Stornoway Port Authority, will involve upgrading the full length of the 3.3km Arnish Moor Road. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a £3.4m contribution to a £7.2m public funding package for a major project to transform road access to strategic industrial and port sites on the Isle of Lewis.
4/11/2025
As HIE reaches 60, new chair says best is yet to come
The newly appointed chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) says the region is on the threshold of a new era of economic growth. Angus Campbell's term as chair began officially on 1 November - 60 years to the day since HIE's forerunner, the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) opened for business with just six employees.
Our Social Media
