Work begins on Aggreko's new manufacturing facility

CEO Rupert Soames was joined at the site by John McFall, Chairman of the Strathleven Regeneration Company, for a ground-breaking ceremony at what will become a 170,000 sq ft factory.

The plant is expected to create 110 new jobs and safeguard a further 120 in the Dumbarton area. It will design, develop and manufacture power generators and temperature control equipment to be deployed by Aggreko around the world.

Aggreko bought the 16-acre site from SRC earlier this year to replace existing facilities which are spread around the West of Scotland. The site forms part of the 120-acre former J & B whisky plant which is being redeveloped as Lomondgate, a mixed-use project which will also deliver 300 new homes, a new business park, hotel and visitor facilities. BBC Scotland's River City studios already occupy what remains of the J&B whisky bottling plant which once stood on the site

Lomondgate is regarded as a world class site, minutes from the motorway network, Glasgow Airport and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

SRC Chairman and former West Dunbartonshire MP John McFall, who was recently elevated to the House of Lords, said:  "It is great news for the local area and its economy that a global business such as Aggreko has chosen to expand its manufacturing operation at Dumbarton. Strathleven Regeneration Company is delighted to have played a part in securing this investment at Lomondgate - a result which was made possible through partnerships with, and the support of, West Dunbartonshire Council, Diageo, Scottish Enterprise and the Walker Group"

Rupert Soames added:  "This new facility is a vital project for Aggreko, enabling us to meet our future manufacturing expansion needs over the next 20 years.

"We expect building to start later this year with the aim of having the plant in operation in 2012. Our roots are in Dumbarton and it means a great deal to us to be able to remain where we have built up a world-leading design, engineering and manufacturing skill base."

The Aggreko Board also visited the company's existing hire and manufacturing plants on the Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Dumbarton, where they were briefed on several initiatives to improve the effectiveness of their operations, eliminate waste and improve product quality.

Aggreko has grown into one of Scotland's most successful companies, recently posting record pre-tax profits of £245m for 2009, compared with £191.6m the year before. It is currently supplying the power to all the stadiums and broadcasting facilities at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.