Growing demand has led an Angus stone specialist to invest in a new industrial building.
Denfind Stone reopened Pitairlie Quarry in 2004 and has since become one of Scotland’s leading suppliers of natural stone.
The firm said construction of a new 625 square metre industrial unit, which will help the firm to optimise its operations, is nearing completion.
The six-figure investment, which received assistance from the Angus Leader project, also includes 1,450 sq m of additional concrete hard standing.
Director Brian Binnie said the firm had seen growing demand for its services and said it was currently working with Dundee University on an innovative stone cladding system.
He said: “There is a growing demand for thinly cut stone which has a number of uses including cladding for buildings.
“As well as being involved in the Stonehaven flood defence system, we are also in discussions with a view to supplying material for flood defence system in Broughty Ferry and other flood protection schemes.
“Stone cladding is becoming an increasingly attractive option and is popular with architects.”
Mr Binnie said the firm faced competition from stone suppliers in India and China, however the carbon impact of importing stone had to be taken into account.
He said the latest investment would help secure the firm’s workforce.
Mr Binnie added: “We currently employ 15 staff, which is the optimum number for us, but the efficiencies we are creating are helping to secure employment and more recruitment could be on the horizon.”
The firm invested £1.25 million on its production facility in 2012, which included the purchase of high-tech cutting equipment imported from Italy.
jimillar@thecourier.co.uk