Mitsubishi opens Livingston automation facility

The new automation facility provides Mitsubishi's complete range of industrial automation and control equipment, including electronic controllers, machine interface screens, energy-saving motor controllers, manufacturing and energy software. These are used throughout all sectors of manufacturing and industry and are particularly appropriate in Scotland, where factories are investing in efficient automation systems to ensure quality and productivity.

George Paterson, manager of the new Scotland initiative, says: "Mitsubishi has been serving local industry for over 20 years, and this new office is recognition of the region's importance as a manufacturing centre. An open day is the best way of marking our commitment to Scottish manufacturing and it allows specialists to meet up and exchange ideas on how to develop the national manufacturing base."

Scotland's manufacturing companies are diverse and cover many sectors including electronics and computers, white goods, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, marine and heavy engineering.

Paterson continues: "We are also finding that other sectors are taking to our products. For instance, visitor attractions use all sorts of automation products to provide security as well as operating dynamic displays and rides. The services and financial sectors increasingly look to building automation technologies as they seek to minimise their carbon footprints."

The oil and gas sectors remain important, requiring constant developments of the latest technology in a demanding market. Marine and offshore expertise is vital for deep water wind farms, tidal power and future energy developments. Significantly, they are the bedrock from which Scotland is becoming a global leader in sustainable technologies.

Paterson comments: "The Scottish economy has tremendous potential. It has not been this strong for many years and we are seeing the emergence of some real enterprising flair amongst the business community."