Technical skills lure jobs

Jul 18 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

TEESSIDE may be set to land two major inward investment projects potentially creating hundreds of jobs.

Luxembourg technology firm Paul Wurth Group is poised to create about 80 jobs at Bowesfield Lane, Stockton.

Meanwhile Costain Oil, Gas and Process – part of international engineering and construction specialist Costain Group – is giving “serious consideration” to plans for a Teesside operation which could bring 400 jobs.

The news comes weeks after rig design company RDS said it planned a base at Wynyard Business Park near Stockton, with up to 200 jobs.

Costain Oil, Gas and Process general manager Ron Webster said that for engineering companies Teesside was more attractive than the South or even an offshore hub such as Aberdeen.

He said: “Property in the South is way too high and in Aberdeen competition for resources is way too high. Teesside has good office accommodation and an excellent skills set.”

Paul Wurth UK general manager Robert Goffin said it was close to deciding to open a Teesside branch.