One of Europe’s most successful supported employment companies has landed its first Aberdeen contract, worth £400,000.
Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) has secured a contract to furnish 250 student rooms at Aberdeen University.
The firm, which is run by leading Scottish construction company City Building, has more than 240 members of staff, of whom more than 50% have a disability.
RSBi will manufacture and deliver furniture for 250 student rooms at Keith House and Hector Boece Court in the Hillhead Student Village.
The company will manufacture and supply all the furniture required for the student digs from beds and wardrobes, to sofas, breakfast bar stools and desks.
RSBi says the skills of its workforce, in conjunction with advanced production machinery and equipment designed to cater for their varied needs, means all products are manufactured to an exceptionally high standard.
“RSBi is an excellent example of a thriving business which is one of the most successful supported employment facilities in Europe,” said City Building executive director Graham Peterson.
“It speaks to the quality of the work consistently produced by our staff at RSBi that we have been in a position to win our first contract in Aberdeen.
“It further proves that RSBi is a successful commercial business, which happens to employ individuals with disabilities but is more than able to successfully compete in the marketplace.”
RSBi is in the process of delivering the contract, which is due for completion by early 2014.
The company produces bespoke home and office furniture, kitchens and timber kit framers for a number of public and private sector businesses including houses, care homes and schools.
RSBi has also worked with Highlands and Islands Fire & Rescue to manufacture and supply office furniture for its call centre.