2017 promises to be another year of growth and expansion for Jarvie Plant with the hire businesses set to open its first depot in England.

The Grangemouth-based firm will launch in Manchester during Q1 2017 while the firm will also recruit a major accounts manager in a bid to lure hire spend from across the UK.

This latest growth strategy will be led by Ian Hutchison who recently returned to Jarvie, as sales director, after a 10-year absence. His association with the business dates back to 1989 when he first started in a workshop role.

“It feels like coming home to some extent and to be presented with the prospect of leading the business into England and strengthening our sales strategy, is a challenge I am relishing,” he explained.

“Manchester is a really exciting prospect as it opens up a huge geographical area and a wealth of opportunities. The new major account manager will play a vital role in securing key business wins.”

The expansion plans are not stopping in England’s North-West. A depot in Nairn is also planned taking the total number of Jarvie facilities in Scotland to nine.

Despite the downturn in the oil and gas industry Hutchison remains “optimistic” about the prospects of operating in the north of Scotland, with some significant rail and road infrastructure projects anticipated.

He added: “We are looking to build on our already strong foundations in Scotland’s north-east and further invest in a full complement of depot staff covering operation and sales.”

Last year Jarvie Plant opened two new purpose built depots in Aberdeen and Dundee.