A GROUP of delegates from the China Special Equipment Inspection were welcomed at Pfaudler Balfour in Leven yesterday by company representatives and Central Fife MSP Christine May.

Their visit, led by director general of special equipment safety supervision, Zhang Gang, formed part of a UK and European tour in conjunction with Lloyds Register to cement links with part- ners and sign agreements.

The Leven company is part of the worldwide Pfaudler group which specialises in thermal fluid engineering.

Pfaudler Balfour spokesman Ron Black said, “The delegates’ visit was significant because we are building a new facility on a greenfield site in China to replace our existing facility in the centre of Souzhou and the aim is to combine our talents throughout the group to provide a full range of equipment for projects in China.

“We feel that this enterprise has a great potential for the future.

Before their visit to Leven, the delegates had a tour of the Scottish Parliament, led by Mrs May, and met First Minister Jack McConnell.

Mrs May said, “They heard about the work the Parliament is doing to encourage trade between China and Scotland and the First Minister told them that he hopes to visit there again next year.

“I was very pleased to be able to help to promote Scotland, Fife and Fife engineering excellence to the Chinese delegation and I hope that the result will be increased trade between Fife and China.

“I am also delighted to see a Levenmouth company leading the way.”