News

Saturday 15th September

The third annual Newmilns Food Festival weekend went with a bang! Both Dustacco and Watermiser were Gold Sponsors, joining other local businesses to help support this annual event which helps bind our local community and bring visitors from further afield. 60 vendors, food court and licensed bar and live demonstrations by Masterchef winner Gary MacLean. The children weren’t left out with bubble football, face painting, mini-bungee and lots more.

Sunday 16^th September 2018

2018’s festival weekend was excited to see the first year of the Newmilns Arts & Crafts Festival which hosted many local vendors and community groups showcasing their talents.  With jewellery, sweet treats, artwork, textiles and scents, there was a wealth of beautiful products on display and for sale.  Visitors were entertained by the Newmilns & Galston Brass Band and the kid’s enjoyed the return of the bubble football, mini-bungee and face painting.

People are at the heart of our business and it’s important to us that we look after their safety and wellbeing. So we’re pleased to share the news that we’ve recently installed a Defibrillator at our Newmilns premises which can be used by employees and local people alike.

There are many defibrillators available in public places such as train stations, shopping centres and airports. These defibrillators are often known as public access defibrillators (PAD) as anyone can use them in an emergency.

Our Defibrillator is  located outside the main workshop entrance and the unit is registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service. Callers to the 999 service from the local community will be advised of its location and combination in times of emergency.

Defibrillators are a vital piece of equipment in the event of a cardiac arrest and would like to make local residents aware of its existence – these units save lives so please spread the word.

A 12 year old Watermiser cooling tower has been given a new lease of life, after being installed on a client’s site in Cheshire.

We were approached by Harman Technology Ltd in 2015, who were looking to replace their existing BAC tower, and luckily our Model No. 6 tower fit their needs perfectly. The tower was one of two which had been returned to us in excellent condition, after our client changed their cooling process. We replaced the internal components and provided a new fan and silencer before delivering it to site.

We were delighted to receive the following feedback from Nick Kosylo of Harman Technology: “Just a few lines to say thank you for all your help with the purchase of the tower, and our installation project. All went as planned with the lift and install and I am happy to say the tower is performing excellently! Once again many thanks to you and Watermiser for all your help.”

Watermiser are delighted to have been awarded Safecontractor accreditation again. We first registered with Safecontractor in 2003, and have remained engaged with the process throughout the years.

Safecontractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises very high standards in health and safety management among UK contractors. Safecontractor is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contracted services. For more information, visit http://safecontractor.com/home/

Day 5, and the final day of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017.  Today we’d like you to meet Greg, who is in the third year of his Fabrication and Welding Modern Apprenticeship.

What made you choose Fabrication and Welding, and how did you learn about the Modern Apprenticeship?

I was always told that it would be good to get a trade.  It’s been drilled into me since I was young!  I read the college prospectus while I was still at school.  After that I applied online to the college, went for an interview and then did two years at college.

Why this one in particular?

My friend’s dad always talked about welding and it sounded interesting so I thought I’d give it a try.  When I started at college I realised I was enjoying the course so I stuck with it.  I came into Dustacco every two weeks looking for a job – I think they got tired of seeing me because they eventually gave in and told me to apply through the college!  So I asked my lecturer and he submitted the application for me.

Did you have any fab experience?

Not with metal.  I did some joinery and some stuff at school.

Did you have any particular expectations?

I thought I’d just be stuck in a bay all day, but I’m out on site a lot.  I enjoy being in the workshop and learning, but it’s great being out and about at the different sites as well and gaining new experience.

What do you like best about the Modern Apprenticeship and working with Dustacco?

I’m just writing up all my paperwork at the moment, which I’m enjoying.  There’ll be some practical tasks that I’ll need to do for Colin (Paterson – Ayrshire College Vocational Assessor) but I haven’t started that yet.  I did all of my college work before I started with Dustacco.  It means that I’m getting a lot of “on-the-job” experience, but I’ve had to learn faster than I would have if I’d done the college work at the same time.  I’ve never had any problems though; if I’m stuck then everybody will stop what they’re doing and help out.  I like trying new stuff, being hands on and getting lots of practice.  Everyone is really friendly, they’re really nice – I’m not so nice to them though!  It’s good, everybody gets on great.  It’s good having Robert and Jamie around, because we’re all in the same boat so we can all support each other if we need it.  And having Shaun (Hawkins – Dustacco Welder / Fitter) and Kieran (McAllister – Dustacco Welder / Fitter) here is a huge help because they went through the apprenticeship with Dustacco as well, so they’re able to give lots of advice.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging?

When I started, I had to adjust to learning in a work-based environment, which is a lot different from learning at school or college.  If I fabricate something at college and it isn’t quite right then it’s not the end of the world, whereas at Dustacco it’s so important to make sure everything is done to specification because these items are being used on sites.

What do you want to do after your apprenticeship?

I want to get a few more years’ experience and learn as much as I can.  Then my goal is to work my way up until eventually I’m running the place!

Day 4 of Scottish Apprenticeship Week – where has the time gone!  Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert, who is in the third year of his Fabrication and Welding Modern Apprenticeship.

What made you choose this particular MA and how did you hear about Dustacco?

I always knew what course I wanted to do, so I did a bit of research online, applied to Ayrshire College and was given an unconditional offer straight from school.  It was really by chance that I got the position with Dustacco – I saw a post in the college advertising short term work experience.  So I applied for that and came in to Dustacco for two days.  Lynn (Anderson – Ayrshire College Curriculum Administrator, Engineering and Science) was brilliant, she was a massive help to me when I was submitting my application; she went through all the paperwork with me and helped me with my CV.  A week after I’d been in working at Dustacco, I heard back from them that they wanted to offer me a place.  I like making things and I’ve always enjoyed manual work as opposed to paperwork, so this course is perfect for me.  I didn’t have much fabricating experience before I came here, just test pieces in the college, but nothing like what we make at Dustacco.

What’s a normal week like for you?

It varies, depending on the workload.  One day it could be steelwork or pipework, it could be sheetmetal the next, and some weeks I’m in the workshop, others I’m out on site – it really depends on what the needs are at the time.  When I’m in the workshop I’ll be given a job by Alex (McNab – Dustacco Workshop Supervisor) and I’ll work my way through it.  I get to work on all different tasks so I’m learning a lot, and I work really closely with everyone.  Sometimes I work on my own, but certain jobs require two people.  But even if I’m on my own and need a hand with something, there’s always someone there I can ask.

Is there anything that you find particularly challenging?

Trying to learn everything at once can be quite tough at times, and you need to be able to turn your hand to anything, which is difficult because it can be quite fast paced.  I’ve got a notebook that I use to write down instructions to stop me forgetting, but I don’t always have time to stop and look at it when we’re really busy!  Even though there’s a lot to learn, I enjoy trying new things – I’d rather try my hand at everything than only do the minimum that I need for my course.

What is the best part of the apprenticeship?

I love the practical aspect of the course.  Paperwork, not so much!  Before I started with Dustacco my coursework was mostly paperwork with very little hands on experience.  But I find that I learn better by doing things myself, rather than reading about it or listening to someone else talk about it.  I wouldn’t really say I’ve got a favourite job, I enjoy all of it.  I’m easy going so whether I’m in the workshop or out on site I’m happy!

What would you like to do when you complete your apprenticeship?

To be honest, I’d like to stay on with Dustacco.  There are people who have had experience of working for other companies before coming here, and they’ve stayed here for years because they think it’s a brilliant place to work.  And I’d have to agree; I really enjoy working here.  The support I’ve had has been great, and I’d like to stay on and keep learning and gaining experience.

Day 3 of Scottish Apprenticeship Week brings us to our second Watermiser apprentice,Louis, who is in the first year of his Fabrication and Welding NC with Ayrshire College.

Louis, what made you go for this particular Modern Apprenticeship?

I was doing my PEO level 2 at Ayrshire College and saw the ad on the board.  It mentioned fabrication of water cooling towers, which I thought sounded really interesting.   I assumed they would be stainless steel cooling towers, so when I found out they were GRP I was curious – you don’t get the opportunity to learn about and work with fibreglass every day – so I saw it as an opportunity to learn a skill that is different, whilst still gaining my welding qualification.  I enjoy putting the towers together and fitting the components once the panels are made.  Making the panels is hard work, but it’s great to be able to say that the product is hand-made.

Like Sean, you also had the opportunity to work in London – how was that?

Yes, I got to go to site with Graeme (Young- Watermiser Site Supervisor) not long after I joined the company.  It was brilliant, I’d never been to London before so it was another new experience for me.  Graeme was great, and I learned a lot from him during the trip.  I love being out on site – it’s a completely different learning experience.  Also, the towers go to some pretty interesting places so I think it gives you a better appreciation of how they work and it’s great to see them in action.

What is a normal day like in the workshop?

The Watermiser workshop is well organised, we all know what we need to do.  I’m usually given a list of tasks to work through and am allowed to just carry on with them.  I like to be kept busy, so I’m always looking for more to do and different things to learn.  If the workshop is quiet then I usually work on my coursework evidence.  Alex (Jamieson – Watermiser Workshop Supervisor) is really supportive – he lets me work through things at my own pace and will check in with me regularly and give me advice if I need it.  All the guys are great, if I need help with anything they’re all more than happy to help.

Have you noticed a difference between working with the Dustacco and Watermiser guys?

They’re both great – it doesn’t even feel like they are two separate businesses.  The Dustacco workshop is a lot louder, just with all the machines and because there’s more people in the workshop.  Alex (McNab – Dustacco Workshop Superviser) is quite talkative and really helpful.  Even the Dustacco apprentices are a huge help; when I’m practicing my welding, they’ll come over and see how I’m getting on and give me tips.  They’ve already done all the stuff that I’m learning just now, so it’s great to get help from them.

You went through our apprenticeship trial prior to being offered a position, what did you think of that?

I really enjoyed it, because it gave me a chance to try out the work that I’d be doing day-to-day.  We had a couple of different tasks to do, like taking the pack out of the tower for cleaning and then reassembling it back inside the tower.  This is harder than it sounds because the pack has to be cut to fit the internal shape of the tower, so it has to go back in the same way that it came out.

Most employers are interested in how good you are at maths or physics, but Watermiser concentrated more on our ability to follow direction, work as a team and carry out the physical aspects of the job.  I also really enjoyed the interview; I didn’t feel any pressure because everyone was so friendly and relaxed, which made the interview so informal.

In fact, the whole atmosphere at Watermiser and Dustacco is so laid back, which makes it a really good environment for me to learn in.

It’s day 2 of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which means it’s time for Jamie’s turn in the spotlight! Jamie is the first of Dustacco’s apprentices to feature, and he’s in the first year of his Fabrication and Welding HNC with Ayrshire College.

What made you choose this particular course and what was the application process?
I did my SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations with the Ayrshire College, which is a 1 year course. I got the placement with Dustacco through a day release as part of my Fabrication and Welding HNC, which I applied for through the college. Dustacco invited a group of us for a trial visit over a couple of days and then they offered me a place.

How does the course relate to your workload?
Some of my classmates are working in aero-engineering companies, so the kind of machines that they are learning about and working with would never be relevant to my work at Dustacco. They’re also gaining a lot of experience with Stick welding, which isn’t something that I’d had much practice with. But on the other hand I’ve had a lot of experience with TIG welding as Dustacco do a lot of that. I’ve never struggled or felt like I’m falling behind though; I just make sure I work harder so I can pass!

Has the course lived up to your expectations?
I’m a hands-on learner, so I’m enjoying getting to practice different welding techniques. And the nature of Dustacco means that I always get the chance to do something different, which is great.
I get a lot of support and guidance from the guys, especially Alex (McNab – Dustacco Workshop Supervisor) and Shaun (Hawkins – Dustacco Welder and former Apprentice), and we’re always talking throughout the day so if there’s ever a problem then it can usually be sorted out pretty quickly.

What would you like to do once you complete your apprenticeship?
I definitely want to keep welding, I really enjoy it and want to keep learning and improving.

To celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017, we thought you might like to meet our apprentices! We are lucky to have five in total; three with Dustacco and two with Watermiser, and over the next few days we’ll be introducing you to them all. First up is Sean, who is in his first year of his NC Fabrication and Welding with Ayrshire College and is working with Watermiser.

So Sean, what made you choose a Modern Apprenticeship and how did you hear about Watermiser?
I like to know how things are made and how they work, so I’ve always been interested in engineering. I went to Ayrshire College straight from school and was doing CNT Machining and Programming. I saw the notice for the Modern Apprenticeship with Watermiser on the board and thought it sounded interesting, so I applied.

How does the work at Watermiser align with your Apprenticeship course?
As well as the NC Fabrication and Welding, we’re doing Composite Material and Manufacturing, which is slightly different, and relates more to the work we’re doing at Watermiser. The Fabrication and Welding is covered in the Dustacco workshop, and we get to go across and practice often, so we’re getting a bit extra.

You were working in London last week – how did that go?
It was great; London is so different – always busy, no matter what time of day it is. And Graeme (Young – Watermiser Site Supervisor) was a good guide, he knows everyone down there! We were there for four days, inspecting eight cooling towers in Westminster. We had to inspect each tower to make sure that it was clean and that all the components were in good order and that there was no damage.

What is a normal working week like for you?
We’re learning how to build the towers from start to finish. If I’m working on one thing then Louis will work on something different, and then we’ll switch, so we’re both getting a chance to learn how each part is made and put together. Polishing the panels is tiring, it all needs to be buffed by hand and is hard work physically. Everything is hand-made, so a lot of elbow grease is involved!
On a Tuesday we are at college. We have two classes. We have welding practice in the morning and then welding and machinery theory in the afternoon.
I’m enjoying all of the different parts of the course. It’s good to learn the welding side of things but I’m also interested in learning how to fit all the components, pack etc. into the towers. When we practice welding, Alex (McNab – Dustacco Workshop Supervisor) helps us with our joins, which is good, and we’ve even had a chance to make some items for Watermiser. Alex is a big help; he keeps us right and makes sure we’re doing everything properly.
Everybody in the team gets on well, and they all know what needs to be done. If I have a problem or am worried about anything then I can talk to any of the team and they’ll be more than happy to help. They’re all really supportive. It’s funny because there is definitely a difference between the apprentices and the supervisors, maybe it’s an age thing, I don’t know, but I can tell when they’re looking at me and thinking “what is he talking about?!”. But they’re a great bunch and are always there if we need them.
The same goes for our college lecturer; he’s really approachable and I’ve no trouble asking for support if I need it because I know he’ll be happy to help.

Following Watermiser’s recent Living Wage accreditation, we’re proud to announce that Dustacco have also been accredited.

Alison Somerville, our Managing Director for both Dustacco and Watermiser, is delighted: “Glad to share the news – Dustacco is a Living Wage Employer!

This is a clear commitment to employees, clients and our wider supply chain that people and fair pay are important to us. And hopefully other will follow!”

For more information on the National Living Wage, visit www,livingwage.org.uk.

We are delighted to announce that Watermiser is now formally recognised as a Living Wage employer.

The Living Wage is an hourly rate which is set independently, updated annually, and calculated according to the basic cost of living using the ‘Minimum Income Standard’ for the UK. Decisions about what to include in this standard are set by the public; it is a social consensus about what people need to make ends meet.

The Living Wage Foundation recognises and celebrates the leadership shown by Living Wage employers across the UK, with almost 3,000 accredited employers.

Our Managing Director, Alison Somerville said: “I’m delighted that we are now formally recognised as Living Wage employers. People are at the heart of this business and always have been, but this allows us to make a clear commitment on that – to employees, clients and our supply chain – and hopefully others will follow.”

For more information on the Living Wage Foundation, visit their website: www.livingwage.org.uk.

At our anniversary event in November, we selected two charities to support over the coming year. The charities were SADSA (South Ayrshire Dementia Support Association) and the Rachel McColl fund, a local charity supporting children with cancer and their families.

SADSA played an important role for the Somerville family – they provide a friendly and well-supported day care for dementia sufferers and even have a small mini-bus to help with transport from home and back. It’s a service that so many carers depend on and is a charity which is often overlooked.

The sum raised for SADSA and the Rachel McColl fund was accumulated from our the raffle held at our anniversary event, together with our Christmas Jumper Day and ‘end of year’ suppliers raffle. Over the Christmas Break, shareholder Marie Somerville presented a cheque to Liz Campbell, SADSA Manager, for £405. A cheque for the same amount was donated to the Rachel McColl fund.

We are really proud of our generous staff for helping to raise such a fantastic amount for each charity, and are delighted to be supporting such worthy causes.

2016 marks 50 years of trading for Dustacco Engineering Ltd and 45 years of trading for Watermiser Ltd. We were delighted to celebrate the occasion on Friday 4th November with our employees, clients and business partners at a private event in Franklin & Sloane, Kilmarnock. The event, which was also attended by Provost Jim Todd, local MP Alan Brown and local councillors, featured an exhibition of memorabilia and photographs, and gave our guests an opportunity to learn more about the history of each company and the different projects undertaken over the years.

Dustacco Engineering was established in 1966 by mechanical engineer Morris Somerville, who began working from a small design studio in his Glasgow flat before relocating to Newmilns in 1972. Originally a provider of ventilation, dust control and air conditioning services, Dustacco has evolved over the years with the company now providing mechanical design, manufacture and installation services, for a range of pharmaceutical, utility and energy clients. Meanwhile Watermiser Ltd, established in 1971, is the only water cooling tower manufacturer in Scotland, supplying mainly to the food and drink sector, including a wide range of distilleries across the country.

Both companies continue to be owned and operated by the Somerville family, with Morris’ daughter Alison being the Managing Director since 2003. Proud local employers to a 60 strong workforce, we are committed to the training and development of our staff to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the businesses and employment opportunities within the local area.

Our Managing Director Alison Somerville, was delighted to present the award for ‘Health at Work’ to Cunninghame Housing Association. Congratulations to all of the award winners and nominees for this year’s Ayrshire Business Awards and well done to Ayrshire Chamber for hosting another successful event at Seamill Hydro.

We are delighted to announce that we are now LCA accredited.

Registration with the Legionella Control Association is seen across the industry as increasingly important in demonstrating a commitment to high standards of service. As such, a growing number of clients require that their contractors and suppliers are registered with the LCA.

Following an extensive audit, we are pleased to have been approved by the Legionella Control Association to carry out:

• Cleaning and disinfection services
• Plant and equipment services
o Installation
o Refurbishment
o Servicing
o Design and supply

The welfare of our employees, clients and the wider public is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure that we consistently provide the highest level of health, safety and quality, we employ highly competent cooling tower experts who are fully trained in assembly, disassembly, installation, servicing, maintenance and cleaning of all makes and models of cooling towers, and are therefore able to suggest and make improvements to our customers’ cooling systems.

We at Watermiser and Dustacco understand how vital it is to have sound health and safety policies in place. In line with our commitment to achieving excellence in health and safety, Watermiser first registered with Safecontractor in 2003, and have remained engaged with the process throughout the years. And we are very proud to have been once again awarded Safecontractor accreditation.

Safecontractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises very high standards in health and safety management among UK contractors. Safecontractor is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contracted services.

Under the Safecontractor scheme, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice. If a company meets the high standard, it is included on Safecontractor’s database, which is accessible to registered users. Client organisations who join the scheme can access the database, enabling them to vet potential contractors. Clients agree that, as users of the scheme, they will engage only those who have received accreditation. Over 270 businesses, from several key sectors, have signed up to use the scheme when selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.

Watermiser and Dustacco Engineering hold many accreditation qualifications including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and Watermiser are proud to have achieved Safecontractor accreditation again.

On the 30^th April, Dustacco’s Alison Somerville participated as an Assessor along with Andy Currans of Hyspec Engineering and Robert Paterson of UTC at the annual Ayrshire Go4SET Celebration and Assessment Day at Dumfries House.

Students from across North, South and East Ayrshire participated in the Go4set project, which is run by leading education charity EDT (Engineering Development Trust) and is designed to equip young people with vital skills as well as to open their eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career within Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM).

Part of the day involves an assessment of the projects by a panel of assessors.  The assessors spoke with each participating team and judged their individual projects and presentations, before deciding (along with other teams of assessors) which team would be presented with the ‘Team Work Award’ and the ‘Best Overall Project Award.’  Carrick Academy (Maybole) were the overall winners, taking the trophy and a prize of £250.  Here they are pictured with their project display for an Eco-Hotel.  Auchinleck Academy won the Best Team working award and Queen Margaret’s in Ayr won the pupils-choice prize.

WATERMISER & DUSTACCO ENGINEERING ACHIEVES INVESTORS IN YOUNG PEOPLE AND INVESTORS IN PEOPLE BRONZE ACCREDITATION

Ayrshire based sister Companies Watermiser Ltd and Dustacco Engineering Ltd have achieved the double success of Investors in Young People and Investors in People Bronze accreditation.
Investors in Young People is the only people management standard that focuses on an employer’s recruitment and retention of young people. This represents a true commitment to the training and development of young people and demonstrates Watermiser and Dustacco as employers of choice for young people.

Launched in July 2014, Investors in Young People originated through a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led by Sir Ian Wood. The accreditation is offered to all businesses across Scotland and exists to recognise and support organisations across Scotland in the employment of young people.
Achieving Investors in People accreditation meanwhile, illustrates Watermiser and Dustacco’s dedication to their employees and demonstrates a solid foundation of good practice which remains challenging and aspirational for many organisations.

Having now achieved the accreditations, Watermiser and Dustacco are now eligible to use and display the Investors in Young People and Investors in People logo and plaque, and enjoy their benefits.

Watermiser and Dustacco are proud of this achievement, especially as only 69 organisations have now been accredited by Investors in Young People in Scotland.
Commenting on the award, Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People Scotland, said “I’m delighted that Watermiser and Dustacco have achieved IIYP and IIP Bronze accreditation. To see over 1,000 young people working in IIYP accredited organisations in such a short space since the launch date is testimony of the appeal, rigour and value that organisations across Scotland are putting on the award. We now have organisations accredited in nearly every geographical part of Scotland covering the private, public and third sector”

About Investors in Young People

• Investors in Young People offers a practical, flexible and easy to use tool to assist in the recognition and support in recruitment, training and retention of young people.

• The Investors in Young People framework responds to a need to bring young people into the workplace and the difference in recruitment, support, management and development that young people require.

For more information on Investors in Young People please visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/investors-young-people

About Investors in People

• Investors in People offers a practical, flexible and easy to use tool for improving business performance and competitiveness through good practice in people strategy.

• An organisation that has achieved Investors in People has been successful in adopting and maintaining its three fundamental principles: Plan – developing strategies to improve the performance of the organisation, from business goals to leadership strategies; Do – implementing those strategies, taking action to improve the performance of the organisation; Review – evaluating and adjusting those strategies, measuring their impact on the performance of the organisation.

For more information on Investors in People please visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

Both Watermiser and Dustacco are proud supporters of ‘Primary Engineers’, an East Ayrshire initiative, which links engineers with local primary schools to help engage pupils’ interest in engineering. The project calls for engineers to link with a primary school in the local community and support the teacher with a specific engineering-based task, namely to build a model car.

We are pleased to support this worthwhile community initiative. Alex Jamieson and David McGrath of Watermiser and also Johnny Gray of Dustacco are participating and took part in the kick-off event recently.

The following article appeared in the local press and explains what the initiative is all about…

“East Ayrshire Primary teachers rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into engineering at Onthank Primary. In a scene reminiscent of what they do with their own pupils, 160 Primary 3/4 and 6/7 staff spent a day getting back to basics, making simple projects which they can use to teach the joys and practicalities of engineering.

The group made one toy car from a shoe box and another, incorporating simple electronics, from wood. They worked with qualified engineers who have signed up to help the schools as part of the Primary Engineer programme which has been adopted in East Ayrshire Schools this year. Run by the Institution of Primary Engineers the scheme delivers practical STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education through activities aimed at encouraging pupils to become aware of and benefit from the opportunities offered by bringing engineering into the heart of schools, promoting a greater understanding of engineering in the world today and to help prepare the engineers of future generations.

Councillor Eoghann MacColl, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson for Promoting Lifelong Learning said: “The Primary Engineer workshop was a great success – working with engineers to learn how to create and deliver the projects was a fun and stimulating experience for all involved. Through STEM education teachers are able to help pupils acquire skills in teamwork, design, measuring and calculation which boosts confidence and gives them a greater understanding of the world about them. Of course the aim is to interest pupils in making future careers in science and engineering, but what they learn through participating in these projects is bound to help them throughout life whatever their eventual choice of career.””

With the widely reported ‘Scotch whisky distillery boom’ well and truly under way in Scotland, and the approximate planned investment of £2 billion over the next four years, Watermiser have been entrusted by many of the industry’s players, both large and small, to supply new cooling towers, design new cooling systems, refurbish existing equipment, as well as servicing and maintaining a number of their most prestigious sites.

Diageo, William Grant & Sons, Edrington Group, Whyte & MacKay, Loch Lomond Distillery, Morrison Bowmore and many other independent distilleries have been quick to see the benefits of using Watermiser, on both large new cooling tower installations and small service and cleaning projects.

Our original vision was to design and develop robust, reliable cooling towers with an extended operating life. Over forty years later, our focus remains the same, as we continue to produce high quality, non-corroding, low maintenance cooling towers, which offer longevity and excellent value for money.

Our bespoke solutions which are designed to specific customers’ needs, comply fully with the latest health and safety legislation. By placing the customers’ needs at the heart of what we do, we have built a reputation throughout the distillery industry for producing the top cooling towers on the market today.

Dustacco has successfully completed a complex £2.5M contract at Davyhulme Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) in Manchester, as part of United Utilities’ Sludge Balanced Asset Programme.

Working with principal contractors Black &Veatch (B&V), Dustacco’s role in the project involved supplying, manufacturing and installing 8,000m of above-ground Stainless Steel, Scotchkote ™ Carbon Steel and Ductile Iron process pipework, plus the manufacture and installation of 250T of galvanized mild steel supports, bridges and metalwork. In addition to the main contract, Dustacco also successfully delivered the detailed design and installation of £500k of boiler house services (steam, condensate, gas, oil, water, air, access metalwork and ventilation) for both B&V and steam specialists Spirax-Sarco.

Project Manager Martin Clark said: “Both the design and installation phases of this project were especially challenging due to problems posed by a number of underground services, obstacles and hazards. However we pro-actively engaged with B&V in a spirit of mutual trust and collaboration, to design solutions which ultimately overcame these challenges to successfully deliver the project. We are very proud of our team who worked incredibly hard throughout the 21 months it took to complete and we look forward to working on future projects with B&V.”

One of the largest of its kind in the UK, Davyhulme WwTW has been in operation since 1894 and serves a population equivalent of 1.2 million for sewage treatment in and around the city of Manchester. The major upgrade will bring significant environmental benefits, including the generation of electricity from biogas, the potential to provide a sustainable source of soil improver and the ability to double digester loading, and therefore eliminating the need for a new sludge incineration plant.

Watermiser and Dustacco have reaffirmed their commitment to developing skills within the local community by welcoming three new Apprentice Engineers. Shaun Hawkins and Jordan Gray from Kilmarnock, and Kieran McAllister from Darvel are the latest engineering students to be given the opportunity to learn, train and develop their potential by working alongside the companies’ specialist teams.

Working in partnership with Kilmarnock College, Watermiser and Dustacco regularly expand their engineering workforce by taking on modern apprentices from the local area. Managing Director Paul Docherty said: “Our policy is to continue to grow from the ground upwards, not only for the good of our businesses, but for the engineering community as a whole. As key local employers, we want to support our young people by giving them the chance to learn from our highly skilled and well qualified teams, and help them plan their future careers.”

The three new students will work towards a modern apprenticeship in fabrication and welding (SVQ III), specialising in pipework and GRP fabrication. All are currently studying NC/HNC Engineering (Fabrication & Welding) at Kilmarnock College.

Watermiser has been awarded the contract for a new cooling tower and associated equipment for BOC’s new dissolved acetylene plant at Immingham in North East Lincolnshire.

The contract for BOC, the largest provider of industrial, medical and special gases in the UK and Ireland, was signed following a 12 month design and tendering process with BOC’s preferred design consultants, Worley Parsons Europe Ltd.

Watermiser’s Senior Manger, Ross Samson said: “We are delighted to have won this contract and look forward to delivering another project for BOC. Working to design specifications set out by BOC, the contract involves the design, manufacture and installation of a new Watermiser GRP cooling tower, complete with support steelwork, fan attenuation, anti-legionella type fill pack and level transmitter. We will also be providing the design, manufacture and installation of a high quality pump skid, which will include carbon steel pipework and duty/stand-by ATEX rated pump units.”

With final design criteria confirmed and general arrangement drawings soon to be completed and issued for approval, final installation of the tower and equipment at the new plant is planned for mid February 2013.