JW Automarine Ltd has reassured customers, suppliers and staff that the company has no plans to relocate away from Aberdeen after a media article suggested the firm was considering a move.
The Morning Bulletin on Monday carried an article linked to media reports suggesting that JW Automarine may explore relocating in light of challenging fiscal conditions facing the North Sea oil and gas industry.
However, the company has now clarified the situation and issued the below statement explaining the business has absolutely no plans to leave the Granite City.
Statement from Chris Dawson, CEO of JW Automarine Ltd
Following a recent article published by the Press and Journal suggesting that JW rentals (JWA) is considering moving out of Aberdeen or relocating its headquarters, I would like to clarify the position and reassure our customers, suppliers and employees.
My comments to the press were made in the context of the challenges facing the North Sea oil and gas industry. I expressed my view that the Government needs to reconsider its current approach to North Sea oil and gas as soon as possible. Without the right support and a clear, long-term strategy for the industry, businesses like ours may eventually be forced to look elsewhere to sustain and develop their growth.
My intention was to highlight the importance of Government support for Aberdeen and the wider North East of Scotland. Aberdeen is home to a wealth of expertise, innovation and skilled people, and its businesses need the right environment to grow, invest and sustain employment for the long term.
To be absolutely clear, JWA has NO intention of leaving Aberdeen.
Our actions demonstrate our commitment far more clearly than words alone. We have recently invested in our new premises and are continuing to invest in additional stock, equipment and resources to expand our rental offering and better serve our customers. These investments form part of our wider growth strategy and demonstrate our confidence in the future of JWA and our commitment to Aberdeen.
I firmly believe that the UK must find a way to support the continued development of the North Sea oil and gas industry alongside the transition towards renewable energy. These sectors should be approached as complementary opportunities, helping to protect jobs, retain vital expertise and create new opportunities for businesses across the region.
Our plans for Aberdeen remain firmly focused on growth. Paula McAllister, our Rentals General Manager based in Aberdeen, has been doing a fantastic job developing our rental business, and with my continued backing, we intend to build on that success for many years to come.
I want to reassure all our customers that JWA remains committed to Aberdeen, to our people and to the industries we serve. We are confident in our future plans and excited about the opportunities ahead.
I am always happy to speak directly with any customer, supplier or local stakeholder who would like to understand more about our plans and my personal commitment to Aberdeen.
Chris Dawson
Chief Executive Officer
JW Automarine Ltd