American firms invest £6.3m in Scotland, 44 jobs created or safeguarded
Three American firms are investing £6.3 million in Scotland, creating or safeguarding 44 jobs in the data analytics and life sciences sectors, it was confirmed today.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the announcements from Spiritus Development, ION Geophysical Corporation and PPS UK on the first day of her week in the United States.
All three companies have been supported by Scottish Enterprise through grants totalling more than £1.5 million.
The First Minister said:
“The United States is Scotland’s biggest source of inward investment and, in the wake of Article 50 being triggered and the risk of a hard Brexit, it is vital we continue to build on the success of our current business relationship with the US.
“Scotland remains open for business and I’m delighted these companies have chosen to expand here and it further demonstrates our position as a prime location for inward investment.”
Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:
“Spiritus Development, ION Geophysical Corporation and PPS UK are all fantastic examples of US companies recognising the benefits of Scotland’s top talent and effective business environment. We are very pleased to have been able to support all three growth companies to get to this stage and wish them every success in achieving their future ambitions.”
Background
Investment details:
Data analytics firm Spiritus Development is to invest £3.4 million in a new programming and development centre in Scotland focused on world-first medical safety innovation. Spiritus is supported by a Scottish Enterprise grant of £500,000 enabling the creation of 23 new jobs, of which 20 will be highly skilled tech positions.
A new £1.5 million R&D project by ION Geophysical Corporation (IGC), supported by a Scottish Enterprise R&D grant of £522,984, will help revolutionise the management of operations around offshore oil and gas installations.
Glasgow life sciences research facility PPS UK has announced a £1.4 million investment, representing the largest and most ambitious project by the company to date. PPS UK will be supported by a Scottish Enterprise R&D grant of £491,059.