A Dorset MP has described a new investment on Portland as 'exactly what we hoped for'.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax praised the entrepreneurial vision of Polish maritime engineering company Intermarine UK following its investment in a welding and fabricating facility at Portland Port.

Mr Drax made his comments during a recent tour of the facility, which opened in January.

Mr Drax said: “I was over the moon to hear that Intermarine had decided to establish itself at Portland Port. A specialist company working in the world of shipping is exactly what we hoped to attract here, bringing with it the promise of skilled jobs and exciting and rewarding careers. I had the great pleasure to visit the company recently and was immensely impressed by the huge investment it has made and at its plans for the future. This is an innovative and entrepreneurial company, led by the dynamic president, Slawomir Kalicki, who has built his family business from nothing in Poland.”

Intermarine Group President Slawomir Kalicki said the company is looking to create 60 new jobs for people in the area over the next two years.

“We were thrilled to welcome Mr Drax to Intermarine UK,” he said. “We are making a substantial investment in the South West region after signing a 20-year lease and relocating our UK head office from Bridgend to Portland Port.

"This is a strong indication of our commitment and long-term vision for the area. We were able to show Mr Drax how Intermarine has ploughed six-figure sums into new equipment, including bending machines, welding sets, CNC plasma machines and laser cutters. Mr Drax was interested to hear about our efforts to stimulate business growth and job creation and our new orders including a £800,000 deal to supply piping to a major British shipyard. We were able to tell Mr Drax we have appointed 20 new people including 15 labourers since January. We see huge potential for further job creation due to the strong skills base in the region and we are actively looking to employ local skilled maritime engineers and encourage workers to get in touch.”

Mr Kalicki said the company had been drawn to Portland by its location.

“Portland is tremendously convenient for all manner of vessels, from naval vessels to cruise ships, ferries and tankers, passing along the South Coast and English Channel,” he added. “Intermarine’s role is to complement the range of maritime services already available at the port by offering more extensive ship repair facilities and crucially encourage ship owners to use Portland Port for afloat repairs. We are focusing on delivering 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.”