The First Minister Alex Salmond thas unveiled Scottish engineering firm Weir's plans for a new Middle East headquarters in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), on the outskirts of Dubai.

During his visit to the company's present offices in the Free Zone, the First Minister was shown plans for the new facility being built on 25,000 sqm area. Together with the investment in the new facility, the total capital investment by Weir in Dubai will be in excess of £10 million. The facility will be equipped with new machinery and equipment to support the company's growth plans for the region and will employ 300 people when operational.

Mr Salmond said: "Weir is an excellent example of a Scottish company with a global vision and this investment sends out a signal that even in these tough economic times industry must be seen to be making decisions about growth and expansion.

"After many years in the region, the company's name has become synonymous with pioneering work and this new headquarters will ensure that the Weir name will continue to play a significant role in the region. Weir has been one of the biggest corporate success stories in Scotland in recent times."

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Keith Cochrane, Chief Executive, The Weir Group PLC, said: "Weir's new Middle East headquarters brings together for the first time, our three market-focused divisions on one campus, enabling us to further develop our full capability in an important region for the Group. We believe that the Middle East has strong growth prospects and the Group's operations and expertise leave us well positioned to benefit."

The planned new facility will bring together under one roof the Group's three divisions with the aim of meeting the Group's ambitious growth targets for the Middle East region and expand the regional capability and resources in this important area. The new cross-divisional campus will help to expand capacity and enable more effective production flow to optimise operational processes. It will have a dedicated training facility and improved employee welfare facilities. The facility has been designed to reduce environmental impact and enhance safety performance.

Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "Weir is exactly the type of ambitious forward-thinking company we want to work with and this new expansion is testament to the drive and commitment the company continually demonstrates.

"We've worked extensively with Weir supporting their international ambitions across the world.

"Our message to companies is clear, international trade and investment is key to increased success and through our international trade and investment arm, Scottish Development International, we have the right tools and expertise to help companies, no matter what their size, make those initial steps towards engaging with overseas markets."

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi, Deputy CEO Jafza and Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Weir's significant investment in Jafza and Dubai today is a testament to the company's robustness and strength. With the energy industry poised for growth, Weir is advantageously placed to meet their customer's requirements quickly and efficiently from their new base. We are confident that the organisation will capitalise on the opportunities and enormous growth potential of the Middle East and neighbouring markets and we extend our complete support to them in their efforts."

The First Minister is on a five-day visit to Qatar and the UAE to develop business and trade links.