North-east firm James Aiken Engineering Solutions has opened the doors of its new £1million premises as it embarks on a new chapter in its history.
The company, which specialises in precision engineering and sheet metal fabrication, had been in business in Wellington Street, Aberdeen, since 1977..
But after significantly outgrowing its harbour areas offices and workshop it has moved to a 23,000sq ft facility at 47 Woodside Road, Bridge of Don.
Aiken said the new site had a “host of benefits”, including increased yard space and car parking provision.
It added: “More importantly, the company can now also cater for the use of overhead cranes, something that was not possible at its previous headquarters.
In addition, Aiken can now accommodate heavier fabrication work – allowing it to meet the ever-changing requirements of a growing customer base.
The business, which is among the Jasmine Holdings group of companies, has also invested in a new £200,000 water-jet cutting machine able to slice through a range of materials up to eight inches thick.
Aiken said its new piece of kit had increased its capability tenfold, while dramatically reducing its level of outsourcing.
The new premises are home to a growing workforce of more than 30, with the company headed up by Neil Stewart and fellow directors Neil Jolly and George Paterson.
Both Mr Jolly and Mr Paterson began their careers as apprentices with the business more than 35 years ago.
Mr Paterson said: “James Aiken has been located on Wellington Street near Aberdeen Harbour for a number of years but we have outgrown these premises in recent times.
“This new, dedicated facility will significantly enhance our company’s capability and really signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
He added: “The sheet metal industry is one of the city’s longest serving sectors and there is still a growing demand for bespoke products from the oil and gas, public, construction and catering sectors for metal work and fabrication.
“This expansion will significantly increase our ability to meet our client’s growing and often diverse needs, and allow us to embrace new work opportunities that we simply weren’t able to before.
“The investment in the new water-jet cutting machine is also a significant part of our strategic growth plan that we have put in place for the forthcoming months and years.”