A manufacturing firm has moved into new premises and almost doubled its workforce in a jobs blackspot.

European Circuits Limited has opened its state-of -the-art production plant in Clydebank, creating 16 jobs.

The 10-year-old firm makes bare printed circuit boards for the electronic industry and now intends increasing output following the award of a major contract.

The move into premises in the town increases its space threefold, allowing it to use new technology to deliver a £300,000 deal with Seven Telematics, which manufactures refrigerated trailers.

Scottish Enterprise provided assistance from the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service to enable the move.

ECL managing director Mark Briscoe, said: “Having pushed ahead with the plan devised by SMAS, we are now in a healthy position to react to increased demand as the economy recovers.

Had we not done so, we would now be struggling with insufficient capacity and the space constraints of the old factory.

“The new site has helped us secure a £300,000 contract with Seven Telematics, which will see us design, manufacture and assemble a data acquisition/printer unit.”

Enterprise minister Jim Mather opened the plant yesterday with Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson.

Mr Mather said: “With the support from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, the company is making a huge contribution to the Clydebank economy by doubling its staff.

“This kind of venture demonstrates that the electronics industry continues to make an important contribution to the Scottish economy.

“The sector accounts for over a quarter of manufactured exports, and a third of total business R&D spending.”

Lena Wilson, said: “ECL is exactly the ambitious, growing company we want to work with.

“We need more Scottish businesses to look at ways to improve, whether developing new products, improving efficiencies or transforming business practices to improve competitiveness.”