CTruk growth plans given £1m boost
UK-based CTruk’s plans to invest in an Advanced Composite Technology Centre that will enable it to build larger offshore wind vessels has been given a £1m boost by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF).
The government’s RGF will catalyse CTruk’s private investment of around £7.3m for the construction of the Centre, incorporating a training facility, on the River Colne in East Colchester, Essex.
“It is our intention to continue driving UK innovation in marine vessel design and to remain competitive in a changing market,” said Pete McIntosh, chairman, CTruk.
“The Advanced Composite Technology Centre will enable us to diversify and grow sustainably, meeting our aspiration to be more than boat builders,” he added.
CTruk says the new Centre will help it meet the increasing demands of the offshore wind industry and to educate the next generation of modern boat-builders through the creation of over 120 new jobs, including 15 apprentices.
Supporters of the proposed project, including representatives from Colchester and Tendering Councils, the University of Essex, Colchester Institute and the Haven Gateway Partnership, have expressed their hopes that the return of a marine-based industry to this former port area will encourage further new business and provide opportunities for existing companies to supply and support the CTruk development.
Visit CTruk on stands B9 and V10 at Mercator Media Ltd’s Seawork International 2015 in June.
By Rachael Doyle
