Firm building to a successful future

Perthshire business works as far afield as the Falklands

- GORDON BANNERMAN

A Perthshire family construction firm is hoping a long-haul sales pitch will pave the way for more orders from the South Atlantic.

Auchterarder-based JML SIPs owner John Langley, SIPs director Derek McIntyre and project coordinator Kyle Tait have returned from an exhausting 16,000-mile round trip to visit a construction site in Port Stanley and explore opportunities to meet the rising demand for homes on the island.

During their stay, the trio hosted a successful information evening held in tandem with the Falkands Chamber of Commerce.

"We sent out eight SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) kits to fishing company Fortuna in a £500,000 order before Christmas and work got under way recently on the brownfield site in the centre of Port Stanley," explained Derek.

"The population of the town is only around 3000, and these homes are for rent.

"Businesses investing in the Falklands are obliged to provide accommodation for their workforce.

"We travelled to offer some advice and to make sure everything was going to plan, while at the same time assessing the potential for doing further business.