Medical equipment manufacturer Karl Storz has vowed to continue its investment in Dundee after spending £1.7 million to triple the size of its base in the city.
The endoscopy specialist said it would plough more money into new equipment and services after the company’s refurbished and extended office was declared open earlier this week.
Owner Sybill Storz was joined by her son and company board member Karl-Christian Storz as she unveiled a plaque at the launch of the new building after flying in from the company’s German headquarters.
Dundee-based finance director David McArthur said the extension, which was completed in December, would allow the UK arm of the company to take on more workers and expand its range of demonstration, service and decontamination activities.
“It obviously gives us much more space to work in, and it’s a much more pleasant working environment for our staff,” he said of the revamped Thomas Wise Place building.
“We’re looking at investing in decontamination machinery. That will be further investment, but we’ve got the room and space to bring in these machines now that the work is complete.
“It’s a new service we can offer as well as ensuring the safety of our staff. We will also hold stock of demonstration equipment, and will be investing locally in our technology repair facilities as well.”
The extension of the plant has been supported by a £170,000 regional selective assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.
“We are constantly growing and at a rapid rate,” Mr McArthur added.
“We reached a turnover of £40m in 2012 and we have an impressive growth strategy going forward.”
He said the debt-free firm had enjoyed “another profitable year” during 2013, despite funding an investment programme totalling almost £4m for Dundee and its larger distribution and customer service site in Slough from working capital. Full accounts will be posted later in the year.
Mr McArthur said the firm’s staff were abuzz after this week’s opening, adding that Mrs Storz had gone back to Germany “delighted” with the refurbishment.
It features a string of environmental measures including solar panels and a grass roof, and was designed by Broughty Ferry architecture practice Wellwood Leslie.
“It really underlines our commitment to stay in Dundee and support the local economy,” Mr McArthur said of the work, highlighting continued strong links to Ninewells Hospital and local surgery training centres.
Pioneering Dundee University academic Sir Alfred Cuschieri was a leading light in the development of keyhole surgery and, in turn, instrumental in bringing Karl Storz to Dundee.
Manufacturing in the city has now ceased, but the base supports specialised repair work. The total workforce is now approaching 30, with recruitment ongoing.
The group’s UK arm, which bought Derby operating theatre technology firm OR Networks for around £1.5m in 2011, has its sights set on topping £60m in revenues by 2020.
Global parent Karl Storz GmbH & Co KG, based in Tuttlingen in Germany, was established by Mrs Storz’s father in 1945. Revenues there topped 1.1 billion euros in 2011.