News

An Angus 3D printing company is investing in new people, equipment and premises.

Brechin-based Angus 3D Solutions, led by manufacturing veteran Andy Simpson, is taking on its first apprentice.

Ritchie Webster, 18, begins his four-year modern apprenticeship in additive and subtractive manufacturing on Monday (1 August).

He’s been gaining work experience at Angus 3D Solutions since September after contacting the firm.

Mr Webster will work four days a week at the business with one day at Dundee and Angus College for the first three years of his apprenticeship, moving to five days within the business in the final year.

The cost of the apprenticeship over four years is expected to be in the region of £65,000.

Mr Simpson also expects to take on another new member of staff in October or November when the business plans to move to larger premises at the town’s Montrose Road Industrial Estate.

This will allow the company to increase its manufacturing space by 250% and also see £100,000 spent on more equipment and improvements to its manufacturing processes.

Mr Simpson, who started in industry through an apprenticeship, said the moves should see the company increase its sales.

He said: “I’m delighted to be able to create local jobs as part of my new growth plan, which aims to take our turnover past £400,000 by the end of 2023.  Having Ritchie do his modern apprenticeship while working with us will allow us to develop our capabilities further.

“We’re grateful for the excellent support we’ve had from Angus Council over the years.

“But the larger premises at Montrose Road Industrial Estate are better suited to our current and future needs.

“They will enable us to increase production capacity to realise our forecast growth.”

The process of a water jet cutter earlier this year was made using £8,000 Business Improvement Grant funding from Angus Council.

Angus 3D Solutions supports multiple industries in Scotland and beyond from manufacturing, medical and oil and gas to horticulture automation, transport, aviation and satellite launch projects.

Its clients include WL Gore Ltd, Johnstons of Elgin, Intelligent Growth Solutions and a Formula 1 team.