Certex UK - one of the nation's leading distributors of lifting and safety equipment - is opening new premises in Aberdeen this week in response to increased business in the offshore sector.
Certex's Aberdeen operations have increased their turnover by 40% in the past year and the company is looking to strengthen this position still further by moving the location of its administrative and services base within the city.
The company is transferring its regional lifting centre from the outlying Harehill Industrial Estate to a more central location on Froghall Road. The new 6,500ft² facility comprises a warehouse, offices and separate workshop, in addition to a large dedicated training area. It will operate along the same lines as Certex's other regional centres and handle lifting gear sales, product hire, repair and maintenance, as well as product inspection and testing.
The centre will run alongside Certex's specialist manufacturing base in Montrose, which was set up two years ago to enhance the company's range of industrial services to the offshore market, including the production of Certex's own-brand range of slings.
Certex also provides a wide range of products from the world's leading manufacturers, including Bridon Ropes, Crosby fittings for ropes and chains, Kuplex chain systems, Elephant chain blocks, Powertex branded slings and Walker magnets.
"The new Froghall Road site provides an ideal base from which to run Certex's regional operations," said Davy Young, Certex's Regional Business Manager.
"It is closer to the city centre and provides excellent facilities for our staff and customers.
"The training facilities are also superb. Theoretical training can take place in the first-floor classrooms, while the practical work can be taught in the workshops downstairs," he added.
All staff previously located at the company's Harehill premises will transfer to the new centre and the company has added to its team of skilled engineers to meet increased demand in the workshop. There are also plans to appoint another sales executive in the New Year to keep pace with the growth in business.
Certex is well known for supplying a wide range of quality products and services to the offshore industry and has a number of high profile clients in the sector.