£3 million investment in Lewis renewable energy facilities complete

21st November 2011

A £3 million investment project upgrading renewable energy facilities in the Outer Hebrides has been completed.

The recladding of the 12,000 square metre fabrication building at Arnish Point will allow the tenants, BiFab, to grow their already important position in the renewables and heavy engineering sectors.

Funding for the project was made available from the Scottish Government through Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), to improve Scotland's renewable energy manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure.

HIE's Innse Gall Area Manager Archie MacDonald, commented: "Arnish is a vital location in the development of Scotland's renewable energy industry. Having the right facilities in the right place is an important factor for ambitious businesses identifying where to locate. Since HIE took over the lease of this prime manufacturing yard it has opened up the opportunity for the Outer Hebrides to gain a foothold in an expanding global industry."

The contract at Arnish was awarded to one of the UK's largest privately owned construction companies, Willmott Dixon, through the Scape National Contractor's framework.

Works were delivered locally via, the infrastructure, support services and construction group, Robertson who work in partnership with Willmott Dixon in Scotland. Robertson also called on the expertise of Invergordon firm Mackay Steelwork and Cladding. By instilling a spirit of working together the project has been delivered more than a month ahead of schedule.

Frank Reid, regional Managing Director of Robertson, commented:"We are delighted to be able to hand over this important upgraded facility to our client more than six weeks ahead of schedule."

HIE is supporting the development of this prime manufacturing yard as a long-term strategic location for renewable supply-chain activities. BiFab located there two years ago and have been involved in manufacturing cutting edge marine devices including Oyster 800 and the full scale tidal turbine for Hammerfest Strom which is to be deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

Martin Adam, Operations Director at BiFab said: "We are delighted with this upgrade of facilities at Arnish. The manufacturing work we carry out is highly specialised. Location and facilities are vital as we work with wind and marine developers who are tapping into the growth of Scotland's renewable energy market."

PHOTO
(L-R) lan McCulloch, HIE, Archie MacDonald (Innse Gall Area Manager HIE) and Neil Campbell, General Manager Bifab.