AGILENT Technologies said yesterday it is to spend $10 million upgrading its facilities in South Queensferry.

The project, which involves a shift from manufacturing to research and development, will involve the creation of 20 jobs.

Agilent, which is based in the US, employs about 850 people in South Queensferry.

It plans to replace its 40-year-old premises with a new building by 2010.

Tom White, the company’s managing director, said, “Our plans for South Queensferry represent an important net investment for Agilent in Scotland.

“After a challenging five years in which we have restructured our business to fit today’s market, we are now stable, profitable and on course for growth.

“This is a real vote of confidence in Scotland on the part of this company.”

Tom Walls, general manager in Scotland, added, “This company has a heritage of more than 40 years of expertise in research and development in Scotland.

“The strength and creativity of our workforce in Scotland has reinforced our commitment to our operations here for the long term.

“With today’s announcement, we have the opportunity to grow the world’s leading measurement company here in Scotland.”