A maritime engineering company is ramping up operations at its new facility at Portland Port - with 20 new jobs being created since January.

As reported in the Echo Intermarine UK has invested a six-figure sum in a new 2400sqm fabrication and welding facility at the port and has now invested £450,000 into new equipment.

Inter Marine group president Slawomir Kalicki said the Polish-owned company has invested its own cash reserves into the equipment, which include bending machines, welding sets, CNC plasma machines and laser cutters. In addition, Mr Kalicki said since beginning operations in January the company has created 20 jobs, including 15 labourers and five office-based positions. In total he said 60 new jobs should be created in the next two years.

“We are delighted to receive all our equipment on-site and start the training and commissioning process with our workforce,” he said. We are investing substantially in our new facility taking a long-term view reflected in the 20-year lease we have signed."

Intermarine’s investment in Portland has further been welcomed by the UK Government and the borough council.

Minister for Investment at the UK Department for International Trade, Graham Stuart said: “Intermarine’s £450,000 investment into Portland Port is just one example of the UK’s attractiveness for foreign investment. The company’s investment in equipment will help create jobs and develop the skilled workforce across Dorset.

"Supporting growing local economies is essential to the whole countries success and through my international economic department, DIT is dedicated to promoting the UK as a destination to invest in and offers specialist support for investors around the world.”

Cllr James Farquharson, Weymouth and Portland’s brief-holder for economic development said: “We are delighted with the investment by Intermarine. We have long known the potential of Portland Port, and it is great news for the local economy that the commercial sector is increasingly utilising Portland’s unique offer.”

Mr Kalicki said the new Portland operation has already won orders including a £600,000 deal to supply piping to a major British shipyard as well as combing equipment.

“We see huge potential in Portland Port as one of the best located ports in Britain,” he said. “It sits on pole position for naval and commercial shipping operating on the South Coast and English Channel. Our aim is to complement the range of maritime services already available at the port by offering more extensive ship repair facilities encouraging ship owners to use Portland Port for afloat repairs.

"The depth and size of the harbour means Portland can accommodate ships of all sizes from naval vessels to cruise ships to ferries and tankers. Our services will focus on fabrication, welding and electrical services. This includes hull and deck repairs as well as pipe work design, installation and upgrade. We will further offer mechanical services including pump and valve overhauls and engine room upgrades. Moreover, we can undertake gallery and electrical upgrades and we can fabricate gates, handrailing and staircases."