A subsea centre has been opened in North Lanarkshire to serve oil and gas firm FMC Technologies.

The centre in Belshill will host 170 jobs announced when the firm created 240 jobs less than a year ago.

The other 70 jobs are based in Dumferline.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing performed the official opening.

He said: "I am delighted that FMC Technologies have made this further commitment to Scotland. Their decision is testament to the quality and skills of the local workforce. Our energy sector boasts strong engineering and manufacturing skills in offshore operations and this is globally recognised across the oil and gas industry."

-- Advertisement --

£2.5m in government grants was given out through Scottish Enterprise for use on the new jobs.

David Currie, Director of Subsea Operations, FMC Technologies said: "The opening of our new Subsea Product Centre in Bellshill is the next step in our commitment to developing technical capability and talent for the offshore oil and gas industry. Our continuing relationship with the Scottish Government via Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, and alongside our partners in industry and academia, will ensure FMC and our customers continue to benefit from Scotland's skilled workforce."

FMC Technologies employs 12,500 people in 16 countries.

About 1,000 of these are based in Scotland.

(NE/GK)