An aerospace technology firm in Dundee is in advanced talks with Rolls-Royce over a new multi-million-pound contract that could secure 70 jobs in the long term and lead to further expansion.
Aerospace Tooling Ltd, on the Baldovie Industrial Estate, has been in negotiations with the iconic firm which has civil and defence aerospace divisions over new aircraft parts reconditioning work.
The exact size of the contract has not been publicly disclosed and discussions over how the work will be carried out are still ongoing between the two parties.
ATL has been operating in Dundee since 2008 after striking a deal to take on around half of Wood Group’s redundancy-threatened workforce in the city.
The firm which is headquartered in Gillingham in Kent and which has worked with other major clients including Siemens, Honeywell and Goodrich specialises in the repair of gas turbine component parts for the oil and gas and energy sectors and also for military aviation clients.
The Dundee plant has broad-based capabilities and combines high-end CNC engineering with low-tech techniques that allow it to offer a one-stop repair service.
Steve Ward, general manager of the Dundee site, said the fine details of the new contract were being ironed out but he said the work would put the factory on a firm footing.
He said: ”It is a substantial contract that is going to last for several years. It will retain jobs and it will require new jobs going forward.
”Basically, the detail of the contract is being put together including how it is going to be executed. The key facts, though, are that it is a multi-million year-on-year which will retain the current workforce.”
Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie was involved in the 2008 negotiations when employees transferred from Wood Group to ATL.
He said he is delighted to hear ATL is prospering and on the verge of a new milestone in its development in Dundee.
He said: ”It was good news when the original jobs there were saved and, if it is true that they are about to land a substantial contract, then that is extremely good news too.
”It certainly shows the ability of the local workforce and the commitment of the company to Dundee.”
The Courier contacted Rolls-Royce but a spokesman said it would not be making any comment while contract discussions continue.