ENGINEERING services company Booth Welsh completed their move from Stevenston to Irvine last week with a VIP opening ceremony.

The firm, which was recently acquired by Australian company Clough for £9million has taken on new modern premises in Irvine Bay Regeneration Company’s Life Sciences Enterprise Area.

North Ayrshire Council chief Elma Murray officially opened the new facility at an event also attended by Irvine Bay boss Patrick Wiggins.

Over the last 25 years the company has grown from two to 250 employees including apprentices and graduates. The proposed new location gives the company twice the space they have currently.

With 40,000 square feet to fill more resources will be required in every area of the business from back office support, apprenticeships and graduates to fully experienced engineers, bringing future jobs to the people of North Ayrshire and beyond.

The company hopes the move will provide the foundations for an ambitious growth strategy and help attract new clients and employees.

Martin Welsh, Managing Director, said: “Booth Welsh was set up in Stevenston in 1989 by my dad John Welsh.

“Over the years the company has gone from strength to strength and through many strategic changes that have helped us grow to the size we are today.

“Stevenston was a great place to begin and grow the business, however, by developing more in the direction of engineering services, any growth directly impacts on desk space therefore our growth plans require new premises.

“The move allows for a more modern facility which better reflects the image and capabilities of today’s Booth Welsh.

“It also continues our commitment to North Ayrshire and allows us to move to an area where we are among other businesses in similar and complementary fields.

“2014 has been a particularly momentous year for Booth Welsh as we celebrate 25 successful years in business and our move will provide the foundations for us to continue this growth and success going forward.” Elma Murray, Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council said: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to officially open and warmly welcome Booth Welsh into their new offices – located right in the heart of North Ayrshire.

“Booth Welsh are a wonderful success story, going from strength to strength over their 25 years in operation.

“I have absolutely no doubt that these new premises will offer them the opportunity to build a long and more, prosperous future, in which they can continue to flourish.” Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: ”We are delighted that an ambitious and growing company has been able to develop here in Irvine because of the excellent infrastructure and facilities offered at i3, Irvine’s Enterprise Area.

“Booth Welsh is one of five companies which have moved to the Enterprise Area this past year, as interest in this superb location continues to be high.

“Booth Welsh and the others bring jobs and opportunities to the area.”