A COWDENBEATH company opened a new extension which will give them the opportunity to increase their competitiveness.

Score Europe’s specialised valve test facility was opened last Friday as part of the company celebrating 30 years in the town.

Score employs over 800 people in Scotland including 250 apprentices and over 1700 personnel worldwide. The company is uniquely placed in the industry being completely independent of all valve manufacturers and suppliers.

The group of companies operates across a number of industries and markets; valve repair and supply for the Ministry of Defence, including the supply of valves for the two new aircraft carriers being assembled at Rosyth, renewable energy, gas turbine engine refurbishment, sophisticated valve diagnostics and monitoring, and bespoke engineering solutions.

“Our aim is to work with our customers saving both production down time and importantly, costs. Nearer to home, the specialised test facility in Cowdenbeath was established in 1984 to service local industry and has grown in strength, currently employing over 50 staff including 26 engineering apprentices,” said Score general manager in Cowdenbeath, Ian Farrow.

“The customer base at Cowdenbeath is predominantly from the oil and gas industry with engineers, clients and equipment arriving from every corner of the globe, all good for the local economy and hotel industry. We recruit locally and encourage local people to become part of our team”.

This year they are increasing their testing capability at the facility at Cowdenbeath. “This new extension will allow us to bid for new business, principally for the oil and gas sector. Again the aim is to provide employment, training and opportunity for local people,” said Mr Farrow.

“We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Cowdenbeath over the last 30 years and look forward to a long and prosperous future.” The Jack O’Hagen building was named after one of their longest serving employees who joined the company in 1986 and now plays a key role developing apprentices.

As apprentice co-ordinator Jack’s focus is firmly on producing the next generation of leaders and managers for Score.

Jack said that he was honoured to have the facility named after him and he intended to continue to make a strong contribution to the Score cause as it gave young people the chance to prosper.