The company will utilise the funding to implement a three-year growth plan.

Angus 3D Solutions saw impressive growth last year, partly thanks to a funding package provided by Zero Waste Scotland in 2018 which helped the firm to buy the Markforged Metal-X 3D printer.

The company is headed by global manufacturing veteran Andy Simpson, who works alongside his employee John MacLeod. The funding will also allow the two to hire a second employee to increase work supporting the circular economy in North-East Scotland by enabling rapid prototyping and the remanufacture of parts to keep machines in use.

Angus 3D will also add bespoke carbon fibre manufacture and a vacuum-forming service to its list of capabilities, in addition to greater 3D printing capacity.

The firm’s HQ at Brechin Business Centre will also be expanded to cope with all the new kit and services too. A third unit is being taken on by the firm with the help of Angus Council’s Business Angus team and neighbour TecNiche, which agreed to move so Angus 3D can simply add the unit next door to its existing pair.

Andy Simpson said: “I’ve been talking about the huge opportunity the circular economy offers the manufacturing and oil and gas sectors for years now. Its ability to save on costs as well as time and materials is huge but still in the early stages of being exploited here, so it’s great to have backing from Scottish Enterprise and Angus Council to pursue realising that opportunity.”

Jane Martin, managing director of Business Services and Advice at Scottish Enterprise, added: “Angus 3D Solutions is a great example of how entrepreneurial talent, skills and ideas can create a growing business and new jobs. With our support, Andy will be able to expand his operations and take full advantage of circular economy opportunities in the North East of Scotland.”