Ferguson Marine has been through significant change in recent years, culminating in the previous business entering administration in August 2019. The shipyard was taken into public ownership by the Scottish Government in December 2019 and now trades as Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited (FMPG).
Led by Turnaround Director, Tim Hair, FMPG has achieved significant progress during this period towards rebuilding the business. Key milestones over the last 12 months include the creation of an engineering function largely made up of permanent employees; proper definition of business processes and planning, including procurement practices; awarding of contracts for the outfit of the dual fuel vessels; more than £600,000 invested in a new tower crane; creation of more than 100 jobs filled by local talent; and reintroduction of the apprentice programme, which recruited 25 young people with the announcement this week of a further 15 places for the 2021 intake.
Tim Hair says: “In the last year we have also faced challenges relating to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Covid-19 has had a major impact on the business resulting in yard closure, production suspension and many of our office staff working from home for over 12 months.
Ferguson Marine, like many employers, is acutely aware of the impact the pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on our people and their families and the launch of our Employee Assistance Programme coincides with these awards.
The programme, which is voluntary and confidential, is designed to help employees work through various life challenges that may adversely affect their health.
It’s a digital platform that employees can log onto whenever they need it, and it offers a range of content on fitness, nutrition, wellbeing and self-guided mindfulness.
“The wellbeing of our employees and their families remains of paramount importance during this challenging period and we are pleased to be sponsoring the Greenock Telegraph’s Healthcare Award for Mental Health.
“A lot has been achieved in the past 12-18 months and the team at the shipyard has contributed a great deal. There is still a significant amount of work to do and 2021 will be the most critical year in Ferguson’s modern history as we do everything possible to deliver the dual fuel ferry programme on time, to improve productivity, secure contracts for future vessels, and protect local jobs. We are confident, despite many challenges, 2021 will be a pivotal year in securing the long-term future of the business.”
For further information, please visit the Ferguson Marine website at www.fergusonmarine.com
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