Aggreko (www.aggreko.com) is to invest £33 million in its Dumbarton facility and create 23 new jobs after receiving a £1.5 million R&D grant from Scottish Enterprise.

The company, which supplies mobile power generators, plans to design and build a new range of more efficient units,
which will have significantly lower emissions and will use cheaper — and alternative — fuels.

The three projects being supported by the grant seek to: expand the use of solar-diesel hybrid energy storage products; develop new methods of using waste heat to provide additional energy; and create more energy-efficient diesel and gas fuel solutions.

On a visit to Aggreko’s Dumbarton site, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our aspiration is for Scotland to once again be the inventor and manufacturer of the innovations that shape the future; that is why our Programme for
Government saw business R&D grants boosted by 70%.

“Therefore, I am delighted that this funding is having an impact on firms like Aggreko, setting the pace for innovative businesses all over the country.

“With 23 highly skilled jobs being created in Dumbarton and significant investment by the company, it is hugely encouraging that Aggreko regards Scotland as the perfect place for it to grow the business.”

Chris Weston, Aggreko CEO, said: “The power generation and energy markets are going through a fundamental change, with businesses, organisations and governments around the globe having to respond rapidly to the changing landscape.

“The Scottish government has identified the need for a low-carbon economy and increased innovation as a top priority.

“We are delighted with the support Scottish Enterprise has shown by contributing funding towards our Future Technology initiative.”