The company will relocate its design, fabrication and manufacture services to the new plant which will effectively quadruple their non-ferrous and carbon steel production capacity. The move will bring new jobs in the Garnock Valley, with plans to recruit at least one new apprentice fabricator welder and a new sales manager.

The company, led by managing director Jimmy Burwood, has been in Burnhouse, North Ayrshire since 1989 and over the last 32 years they have gradually expanded the site and services. In the last five years, he has been joined by his son Christopher, who is working while studying for a BEng in Engineering and Manufacturing Design at Strathclyde University.

The new apprenticeships will be in part supported by the Government’s Kick Start Scheme, which provides six months funding towards job opportunities for young people who are unemployed. The company plans to offer a work trial to potential, local candidates before offering up to two apprenticeships, which will take four years to complete.

The changes will enable Burnhouse to significantly expand their manufacture and fabrication of non-ferrous metal and carbon steel, both of which require large, segregated workshops. Recent growth has been fuelled by investment in services including new a 3D measurement system, orbital welding and rope access, and this has helped them to extend their market into sectors such as pharmaceutical and food manufacturing.

Jimmy Burwood said: “As a North Ayrshire business, we wanted to stay local while growing capacity. The new site in the Garnock Valley will allow us to ramp up services in both non-ferrous and carbon steel. As a growing family business operating in difficult times, I am grateful to the support we have received from North Ayrshire Council’s Business Development Team and to be able to recruit young people into a role which will give them skills for a lifelong career is rewarding and a great asset to the business.

Caitriona McAuley, head of service, economic development & regeneration, North Ayrshire Council, added: “We are delighted to see this long established family business expanding and providing more high value jobs in North Ayrshire.  We wish them every success with their plans for future growth”