SND2 43

 

 

Memorandum from MacTaggart Scott & Company Limited

 

MacTaggart Scott & Co. Ltd. is a privately owned engineering company employing approximately 250 people in Loanhead which is on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

 

Since the formation in 1898 MacTaggart Scott has been involved in the design, manufacture and support of innovative bespoke engineering equipment for both submarine and surface ship naval application.

 

MacTaggart Scott has supplied high integrity submarine equipment since the earliest days of submarines in Royal Navy service. The equipment covers a broad range of electrical, electronic, hydraulic and mechanical handling systems including retractable periscope and sensor masts, emergency propulsion systems and high torque, low speed, quiet hydraulic motors and pumps capable of operating both inside and outside the pressure hull.

 

Today the company is an acknowledged leader in the design and supply of specialised handling equipment for both above and below water naval markets and it has used its selection and supplier status to the Royal Navy to achieve significant export success in the rest of the world. Company turnover for the last trading year was approximately £30m with 60% of this output deriving from export business.

 

 

Key Issues and Challenges

 

 

a) Retention of skills and experience in both design and manufacturing personnel to fulfil the special requirements of the sub-sea environment.

 

b) Maintaining the investment levels in research and development and training to develop new concepts and to continue to attract new engineering blood into the industry.

 

c) Retaining and growing export market business to afford the investment in R & D and training.

 

d) Maintaining continuity of participation in existing and new generation Royal Navy equipment programmes to consolidate status in export markets.

 

e) To develop further the progress achieved to date from the Astute Key Supplier Forum. To use continuity of existing and future submarine programmes to achieve improved design focus, greater efficiency, lower costs and better affordability arising from a more open and less confrontational procurement environment.

 

6 November 2006