A SHIPBUILDING company has announced the creation of 120 jobs in Inverclyde to help work over weekends.
New temporary workers are needed to support the introduction of a weekend shift with the firm looking to hire experienced contract workers.
Ferguson Marine announced the new expansion today saying that the vacancies would see new employees work on the MV Glen Sannox and Hull 802 which are being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).
Weekend production will begin on 19 March for at least six months and the shipyard requires 120 skilled and experienced contract workers to cover shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The firm say the new weekend rota is a short-term measure designed specifically to boost production on the dual fuel vessel project and to accelerate progress against delivery schedules.
The shipyard will be in production seven days a week during spring and summer months and will bring total headcount to more than 500.
Due to the timescales involved and ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Ferguson is currently looking for UK-based workers only.
Tim Hair, Turnaround Director at Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow), said: “We are taking serious action with the introduction of a weekend shift in an effort to expedite the delivery schedule for the dual fuel ferries project.
“I want to take advantage of better weather and extended daylight hours over the next six months to drive the project hard.
“Last year was challenging, with disruption created by the pandemic, but we’re confident we can increase momentum in 2021.
“It’s a great opportunity for skilled workers in the local community and surrounding areas to join us in a pivotal year and contribute to an important vessel project.”
“This level of business change in a single year is hardly ever attempted and, while there remains significant work to complete around the improvement of systems and processes, a huge amount has been achieved.
“We are confident, despite many challenges, 2021 will be a pivotal year in securing the long-term future of the shipyard.
“We must do everything possible to deliver the dual fuel ferry programme, improve productivity, secure contracts for future vessels, and protect local jobs.
This recruitment drive for 120 jobs is another key milestone in building a successful and competitive business.”
