This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Research and development support for businesses
14/03/2005
A substantial award of research and development support
will help secure 750 Scottish jobs and pave the way for
more, it was announced today.
First Minister Jack McConnell was speaking during a
visit to Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL). The Falkirk bus
builder supply around 70% of London's 8000 strong bus fleet
and are producing the first purpose built transit double
deck buses to be sold in the USA for over 20 years.
While at the company, the First Minister confirmed that
ADL will receive £800,000 from the Scottish Enterprise
R&D Plus scheme. The money is being used to develop a
new generation of buses and has played a critical role in
the company securing over £120 million of orders since its
formation in May last year.
ADL, formerly known as Transbus International, was
acquired from administration by a group of prominent Scots.
They announced a £10 million investment programme last year
and are now recruiting another 40 employees.
Speaking at ADL, the First Minister said:
"ADL is a true Scottish success story. In the space of
just 10 months it has gone from the brink of collapse to
being a company that can compete across the world. Their
commitment to research and development, their desire to
design, engineer and build the buses of the future is at
the heart of their success.
"Scotland needs more companies like ADL, companies that
are prepared to invest in innovation, be forward thinking
and, above all, have the confidence to take their products
to the world.
"Scotland is a country that has always been blessed with
talent - people with the brightest ideas and the energy
and drive to succeed. We must use this talent to drive our
country forward. Where we can support business we will. The
challenge for industry is to grasp the opportunity of
investing in the future."
Bill Cameron, Chairman of ADL, said:
"We have made remarkable progress in terms of
re-building this business and I know that the confidence
shown by our customers is linked directly to their
knowledge of our plans for new-generation buses. These
vehicles will lead the way in technology and
innovation.
"The contribution and support we have received from the
Scottish Executive has been a major factor in our ability
to accelerate our new product development strategy.
Innovation is not a luxury, it is a 'must do' for Scottish
companies with aspirations to win business at home and
abroad."
Janet Brown, Senior Director, Competitive Business at
Scottish Enterprise said:
"It is vital for all companies to invest in research and
development if they are to stay ahead of their competitors
and secure their market share. I am delighted Scottish
Enterprise has been able, through its R&D Plus
programme, to support ADL's ambitious plans to do just
that. This will allow them to build on their existing
efforts which are already bearing fruit, as more new orders
for buses are being secured."
The first scheme of its kind in the UK, R&D Plus is
designed to actively support large companies engaged in new
and innovative research into products and processes which
demonstrate real potential for global commercial success.
The Alexander Dennis project is the 9th offered support
under R&D Plus powers. To date Scottish Enterprise and
the Scottish Executive have committed around £11m in
support to around £100m of forecast R&D expenditure by
the companies assisted.