A LOCAL trade park is now fully occupied after a global maritime business decided to dive into Inverclyde.

Blu Marine and their three staff have moved into Riverside Inverclyde's Lynedoch Industrial Estate after securing a contract to fit out two vessels at Ferguson Marine's shipyard in Port Glasgow.

The firm already has offices in Salisbury and Hong Kong and has now leased 3,200 sq ft in the industrial park.

Craig McCoo, managing director of Blu Marine, said:“We have won the contract to fit out the two vessels currently at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, so having a base in Inverclyde is essential.

“Blu Marine is tendering for additional work across the UK, and we are confident that our Inverclyde base can grow further as we successfully win more business.

“We looked at quite a few options prior to speaking with the Riverside Inverclyde team and have been delighted with our experience here. Our new premises were spotless, and the speed of completing the deal was impressive.

“Our new premises are ideal for storage and manufacturing, as we assemble small bespoke metal and joinery works for customers.

"Blu Marine will be using local suppliers from across the country, and local contractors will continue to be used for many of our projects, not just with Ferguson Marine.

“We look forward to integrating and becoming part of the Inverclyde business community.”

Andrew Bowman, head of business investment and operations at RI, says he is 'delighted to welcome Blu Marine to Lynedoch Industrial Estate'.

He added: "We wish Craig and his team continued success at their new premises.

“Inverclyde has a rich shipbuilding heritage, and the arrival of global marine business is an excellent boost for the area and our rejuvenated shipbuilding industry.”

Blu Marine join Ethos, Inverstore, Wet Wall Works, Kerrson Engineering, Trade Right International, Outdoor Spares, Stepwell, Golden Oak Restoration, Window Care, Inverclean, Millar Catering, Inverclyde Voluntary Group, Pampered Pets and Online Furnace Services at the Lynedoch estate, which provides a total of 67,500 sq ft of light industrial and business use.