MP Torcuil Crichton says he believes Harland and Wolff’s yard at Arnish in Lewis is an attractive investment for any new buyer given its position for the wind energy sector combined with skilled workers and fitted out facilities.
Harland and Wolff (H&W) - the parent company of the Arnish yard in Lewis - is to
enter administration.
The firm says it is insolvent and the process to making an administration order. Teneo has been appointed as administrators to conduct the process.
The Arnish yard which is currently busy with work is operated under a subsidiary company with hopes of selling it as a going concern.
Administration is restricted to parent company, Harland & Wolff Group Holdings PLC and not its four shipyards and manufacturing yards.
The 150 people employed at Arnish are not affected by the announcement and the yard continues to trade while a new investor is sought.
Torcuil Crichton said: “Administration looks like the next necessary step in preparing Harland & Wolff for new ownership.
“It is important to emphasise that the Arnish yard, and Methil in Fife, continue to operate and have orders going into the future.
“The Arnish yard has the order book, the skilled workforce and committed management
and highly-valued steel rolling equipment which would make it an attractive prospect
to any buyer.
“It is also positioned within Stornoway Port and on the western seaboard to take advantage of the developing onshore and offshore renewables industry.”
“In talks with Department of Business Ministers I have emphasised the great potential Arnish has so I remain optimistic about the future of the yard.”
MP ‘optimistic’ about Arnish yard’s future
18 September 2024
