A SMALL engineering firm has taken on three new staff after investing in equipment to help it increase capacity and grow further in the oil and gas sector.
Hydraulics specialist RL Engineering received a five-figure loan from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) which allowed it to purchase new analysis and flushing tools.
The Rutherglen company sells, services and repairs a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, torquing and electrical machinery, mainly into the industrial and maritime markets.
The additional equipment is said to have allowed it to increase its servicing activities particularly in the oil and gas sector.
The business, founded in 2000, recently installed a hydraulic system it built in South Lanarkshire on the Britannia platform in the North Sea.
Gordon Hamilton, managing director at RL Engineering, said: "Being able to crack the oil and gas sector is a weighty strategic move for us. The new equipment enhances our offering, opening up an array of new customers and revenue streams."
It is the third time RL Engineering has taken funding from UKSE.
In 2002 the business used the backing to set up a mobile laboratory for on-site analysis of oil contamination while in 2009 it moved into calibration for certain types of torque tools.
Scott Webb, regional executive at UKSE, said: "This is the third loan RL Engineering has received from UKSE as they continue to grow the business, reinvest and create employment in Lanarkshire.
"Our first investment was back in 2002 and it's a source of pleasure and pride to see them going from strength to strength. This latest round of funding will put the company in good stead to break into a significant new market."
RL Engineering is accredited by Lloyd's Register as an approved service supplier for hydraulic systems, examination of roll-on and roll-off ships and high pressure hydraulic cylinders.
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