Up to 70 new jobs to be created in Perth by Vector Aerospace

VECTOR Aerospace has announced plans to create up to 70 new jobs at its plant at Almondbank on the outskirts of Perth in a major boost for the local economy.

The international aircraft maintenance company revealed at the start of the year that it would be restructuring its business, following the loss of a major helicopter repair contract.

But Vector has now been awarded two Scottish Enterprise grants worth £250,000 to allow the company to invest in a new training programme and create 30 new jobs as part of major expansion plans. The company has also developed the Almondbank premises to take on the repair of aero engines, creating the need for another 40 new staff in the longer term.

John Swinney, the Scottish Finance Secretary, welcomed the announcement during a visit the plant. He said: “Vector Aerospace have recognised the strength and talent of its Scottish workforce and it is clear the company has confidence in the future of the Almondbank facility.

“The Scottish Government, through Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International have worked closely with Vector Aerospace over the last six months and will continue to do so as Vector develops its future plans.”

Mick O’Connor, the business director for component services at Vector Aerospace, said the grants were a “ vote of confidence by Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government.” And he continued: “For our part, we are also investing in the future of Almondbank by transferring equipment and capabilities from other Vector Aerospace facilities to the site here in Perthshire and investigating new market opportunities including composite repair technology and aircraft landing gear. By doing this, we have been able to re-employ a number of people we lost earlier this year which has been great for morale and confidence at the site. This is only the beginning.”

Pete Wishart, the SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: “The highly skilled engineering jobs at Vector Aerospace are an extremely important part of the jobs mix in the local area and this announcement is great news for the whole Perthshire economy.

“Many of those who work at Almondbank are constituents of mine and I am sure that others will benefit from these new jobs.”

Roseanna Cunningham, the MSP for the area, also welcomed the jobs boost. She said: “It has been a very hard time for Almondbank over the past while so I am delighted to be able to welcome good news coming out of Vector. I am particularly pleased to learn that through this investment some of those who lost jobs at Almondbank earlier in the year will be re-employed.

“To hear Vector executives describing this announcement as ‘only the beginning’ is very encouraging indeed.”