International oil and gas company expanding to Scotland

Clough is an Australian headquartered engineering and project services contractor servicing the energy, chemical, mining and mineral markets. Their move to Glasgow will allow the operation of service to Europe, Middle East and African (EMEA) making them a now truly global with a 24 hour reach across all the major markets.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This company has a long history of working across the globe and they have shown a commitment in investing in the workforce in Scotland. With their expansion to Scotland and in doing so creating 110 jobs which will support a boost to the local economy.

“This is a testament to the quality and skills of the local workforce. Scotland’s energy sector boasts strong engineering and manufacturing skills that are globally recognised across the oil and gas industry.

“Scotland already has a world class education systems and establishments capable of supporting Clough’s need to recruit and develop engineers, project managers and leaders of the future. Working in Scotland allows them to develop their business model to adapt to customer wants and demands. They already have a highly skilled workforce but looking towards their future and are ready to take the next step. This funding will help secure this future.

“RSA supports investment in Scotland’s economy and creates jobs for our people. It further strengthens Scotland’s position in out-performing the UK for securing inward investment.

“The First Minister recently announced that Scotland is on track for a strong year in 2014 in terms of jobs created and safeguarded through RSA assistance, having already exceeded the figure achieved for the previous financial year.

“This is yet another indication of the strong performance in the Scottish economy, which can only be enhanced by the powerful economic levers available to us through independence, which would be used to attract even more jobs and investment.”

Neil Francis, director of international operations at Scottish Enterprise said: “Capitalising on new inward investment opportunities was one of the key themes in Scotland’s industry-led oil & gas strategy, and Clough’s decision to locate in Scotland is testament to the global reach of our oil & gas industry.

“Despite the obviously distances there are a number of synergies between Scotland and Australia’s oil & gas sectors and we have been actively promoting our oil & gas capabilities to the Australian market.

“We look forward to building on Clough’s decision to come to here and continuing to work with the company to support its plans for Scotland and the rest of EMEA.”

Kevin Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said: “The opening of our operating centre in Scotland represents a key step in Clough’s international expansion strategy, and enables our world class engineering, project management, commissioning and operations and maintenance services to support new regions.

“Scotland was selected as the most attractive location for Clough due to its access to world class technical universities and highly experienced engineering resources, combined with its proximity to clients and opportunities in the North Sea, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Our Scottish centre will provide engineering support services to projects throughout this region as well as Australasia, helping to enhance value for clients across Clough’s extensive project portfolio.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank Scottish Enterprise for their outstanding support in helping Clough establish a strong foundation for growth in the region”.