A major oil industry research and development facility was officially opened today by Enterprise Minister Jim Mather.

FMC Technologies' £12m Subsea Product Centre at Bellshill near Glasgow boasts three laboratories and will lead in the development of new subsea technology and products.

The project, supported by a £2.6m Scottish Enterprise R&D grant, will create up to 25 new jobs and build on existing links with universities and research institutes throughout central Scotland.

Mr Mather said:"This new centre will help keep Scotland at the forefront of oil industry development and ensure our oil and gas industry continues to be a world-leader. It demonstrates that our energy sector is in good health, despite the economic downturn.

"Along with the sector, Scottish Enterprise's Energy Team is playing a leading role in the continuing promotion and development of the energy supply chain in Scotland.

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He said: "The skills and knowledge developed in Scotland since the development of the North Sea are among our key economic strengths. Many of these skills will continue to play a vital role in developing our future, both within oil and gas but also through their transfer and adaptability to other sectors such as renewable energy.

"That is why the Scottish Government is determined to support the industry, including FMC Technologies. It also demonstrates again our commitment to help companies from all sectors weather the current downturn."

David Currie, Managing Director of FMC Technologies UK, said the development of new technology that meets the increasing challenges of the global oil and gas industry and of our customers is core to the leadership position of FMC Technologies.

"This new development will strengthen our presence in Scotland, enhance our existing high quality engineering expertise in Dunfermline and result in the creation of new highly skilled jobs. This latest 12 million pound investment is excellent news for our workforce based in the UK.

"There is a highly developed optoelectronic infrastructure within Scotland and the opportunity to build on established relationships with the Scottish industrial and academic technology providers, as well as our existing capabilities and support from Scottish Enterprise, are all critical factors which will contribute to the success of this new centre," he said.

(GK)