Lanarkshire-based Ichor Systems (www.ichorsystems.com), a specialistin semiconductor-manufacturing equipment, is planning to expand its activities into the wider engineering sector.

John Spence, managing director, said: “The models we have developed recently — particularly finding engineering solutions for the perennial problem of obsolescence in manufacturing — are as applicable across all sectors as they are to silicon wafers.”

Mr Spence said he expects to take on at least four or five new people in the immediate future, and he is also planning to introduce apprenticeship schemes.

“With the demise of the semi-conductor sector in Scotland, it is more difficult to source people with the skills and motivation we require.

“For that reason, we are bringing on graduates and apprentices, to give us future capability and to ensure that the growth of knowledge is under our control.”

With its turnover up 15% on last year and growing steadily, the company is planning to win new business in all UK and European manufacturing sectors.

“This will give us additional revenue streams, which will iron out some of the cyclic nature of dealing solely in the semiconductor market.”