An innovative Angus-based 3D printing firm has secured a £39,000 grant as it seeks to boost growth.
Brechin headquartered Angus 3D Solutions received the regional selective assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Following on from its growth last year – partly thanks to a grant from Zero Waste Scotland in 2018 to buy a metal printing machine -the firm, headed by global manufacturing veteran Andy Simpson, has now put in place a three-year growth plan.
This will see Mr Simpson and employee John MacLeod joined by a second employee to increase work supporting the circular economy in North-East Scotland by enabling rapid prototyping and the remanufacture of parts to keep machines in use.
The firm said it will also add bespoke carbon fibre manufacture and a vacuum-forming service to its list of capabilities, in addition to greater 3D printing capacity, while its Brechin Business Centre premises will be expanded with the addition of a third unit.
Mr Simpson said: “I’ve been talking about the huge opportunity the circular economy offers the manufacturing and oil and gas sectors for years now.
“Its ability to save on costs as well as time and materials is huge but still in the early stages of being exploited here, so it’s great to have backing from Scottish Enterprise and Angus Council to pursue realising that opportunity.”
Alison Smith, head of Angus Council’s business team, said: “Angus has the highest percentage of people employed in manufacturing in Tay Cities Region and it is a key growth sector for the future with a shift to advanced and high value and sustainable manufacturing and engineering.
“We are delighted to be able to support Andy’s plans.”
The firm was founded in 2017 and clients include Johnstons of Elgin and a Formula 1 team.
Jane Martin, managing director of Business Services and Advice at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “Angus 3D Solutions is a great example of how entrepreneurial talent, skills and ideas can create a growing business and new jobs.”