Tokheim UK Ltd, part of the Dover Corporation, has won a £1.3 million R&D contract for its Dundee manufacturing facility to create innovative fuel dispensers for petrol-station forecourts.
Scottish Enterprise is supporting the company with a grant of almost £270,000 that will help to secure eight jobs.
The news came on the day after Paul Wheelhouse — the Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy — visited Tokheim’s Dundee facility to “recognise its innovation investment”.
Tokheim manufactures fuel dispensers for a global client base, with its Dundee site recognised for “leading product development and process innovation”.
A spokesman said: “The company’s new fuel dispenser will be of modular design, allowing different parts of the pump to fit together more easily and providing more flexibility.” It will involve a re-design of all three of the pump’s key elements: the hose management system, the electronic calculator and the hydraulic engine.
Mr Wheelhouse (pictured right) said: “We are committed to investing in the development and application of research, innovation and technology, as well as supporting entrepreneurial activity, all of which are crucial in shaping Scotland’s future and helping to create sustainable economic growth.
“I was delighted to visit Tokheim, a successful Scottish company that is using innovative methods in its approach to manufacturing. I hope the funding that we have announced — along with their own investment — will lead to more opportunities for Tokheim to grow and expand their place in the market, in which they are the leader.”
“Jim Watson, innovation and enterprise services director at Scottish Enterprise, said: “As Scotland’s innovation agency, we want to encourage more innovation in all companies, as it leads directly to commercial products and services.
“It’s even more important for Scotland’s oil and gas sector, as innovation will open up new revenue streams. Earlier this year, we prioritised £10 million to help more oil and gas companies reduce the risk of investing in R&D.
“Tokheim is a great example of how innovation can drive future company growth opportunities, and we wish it every success with its latest R&D project.”