THE 250-year-old boatyard of James Miller and Sons in the East Neuk of
Fife, which closed last autumn with the loss of almost 40 jobs, is to
reopen.
A new company, led by former production director William Syvret, has
been set up, aiming to sustain and develop boat and ship repair
operations at St Monans, and its secondary facility at Methil.
The good news for laid-off workers in the fishing community is that 10
jobs will be provided in the first year, with prospects of a build-up of
skilled workers who previously worked with Miller's, should orders
emerge. At Methil, the facility can cope with ships of several hundred
tonnes.
The unexpected development follows a decision by Fife Regional Council
to provide a business loan to the new company, which will be named
Miller (Methil) Ltd.
As owner of the slipway at St Monans, the council has also agreed to
transfer the lease of the slipway to the company.
Other public and private sector finance is being sought, although Mr
Syvret declined to say how much investment was involved.
He envisaged that business development would be on ship repairs, and
looking to an upturn in the market, ships of several hundred tonnes
could be refitted and repaired at the Methil premises.
Confirming the decision to support the new venture, the convener of
Fife Regional Council, Mr Robert Gough, said he was delighted to see a
return of the industry to St Monans, which had existed since 1747, and
the retention of ship repairs and refitting at Methil.
He added: ''The restart will also provide the opportunity to make use
of some of the skills of craftsmen whose work has carried the Miller
name to many corners of the world.
''Initial employment levels are realistic. It is to be hoped that the
new management team will be able to secure work from previous customers,
and win business from rival yards in England and elsewhere. We are glad
to be taking part in this challenge.''
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