Japanese firm sets sights on Scotland

A leading Japanese refrigeration firm has revealed plans to set up a base in Glasgow.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop met executives from Mayekawa to hear of their intention to come to Scotland. This would create 20 jobs over five years.

The company, founded in Tokyo, intends to set up a branch in Glasgow to support research and development as well as sales and administration for its UK/Europe division.

Ms Hyslop, who is in Japan this week to strengthen trade and investment links, said:

“Scotland is recognised on the world stage as a leader in global business services. A number of Japanese companies have had a presence in Scotland for many years and have gone on to celebrate further growth. Mayekawa’s new Glasgow office will stand as yet more evidence of the strong links between our two nations.

“We offer a perfect environment for continuous research and ground-breaking technology development through an innovative company base, world-class universities and leading innovation centres.”

Mayekawa’s president Shin Maekawa said:

“We have many projects to develop now, including new refrigeration products. We hope these can be progressed at our new base in Glasgow.

“We hope to make these projects a success, and to increase our capability in Glasgow.”

Background

Founded in Tokyo, Mayekawa is a world leader in gas compression and refrigeration equipment offering products for the industrial refrigeration, oil and gas, and chemical processing industries.

The company will initially employ around five staff and then increase its workforce, depending on growth of business in Europe.