The Group, which is headquartered in Aberdeen, has purchased the site previously occupied by 60 North at Rova Head in Lerwick and has taken over the daily running of the facility in a deal which will provide further geographic coverage and enhance its ability to serve customers in that region.

The facility is strategically placed to support the oil and gas decommissioning sector in the area, as well as local metal recycling requirements, and will take John Lawrie Group’s overall licenced capability in Scotland to around 225,000 tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals per annum, with more growth in the pipeline. All existing employees will be transferred over to the Group and plans for investment in new equipment and infrastructure have now begun.

The acquisition is John Lawrie Group’s first major purchase since being recently acquired by its management in partnership with Rubicon Partners, a leading industrial investor, and principal investment firm Grovepoint. The deal is fully in line with the Group’s ambitious plans to deliver robust growth by expanding its recycling and decommissioning services into new geographical locations and broadening its customer base.

John Lawrie has obtained a waste management licence from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and a metal dealers’ licence from Shetland Islands Council which allow it to operate in the islands. The Group plans to increase local employment, invest in new technology and develop the site into a full-service scrap metal processing and decommissioning facility.

Commenting on the new facility, Operations Director Dave Weston said; “We’re very pleased to be expanding our business into Shetland. This investment will help deliver an enhanced service to our existing and future customers, and will continue to create new employment opportunities in the area.”

Rova Head industrial site courtesy of Lerwick Port Authority