First Minister at Navantia: 'Methil yard creating opportunities for next generation’

It has embarked on a major programme of investment, workforce expansion and new contract wins to help strengthen Scotland's shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The visit came just one week after Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, and Luke Pollard MP, Defence Minister.

Navantia UK has expanded its operations at Methil, and grown its workforce by more than 50%, from 180 to 275 employees, since acquiring the facility in January 2025.

Backed by £26.7million of investment, the site has undergone significant modernisation, including new machinery, upgraded infrastructure and expanded production capabilities. This investment is helping Methil take on increasingly complex projects and compete for new opportunities in defence and commercial manufacturing.

The First Minister toured the facility, marked the opening of a new skills centre built by apprentices and met employees helping to drive the company’s growth.

Methil has recently secured its second new vessel export contract, building on the successful delivery of the Seahorse barge, an 85-metre vessel constructed in just eight months to support the Fleet Solid Support programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The latest contract win has prompted a recruitment drive for a further 60 skilled workers, including welders, platers, riggers, scaffolders and painters, creating new opportunities for skilled employment in Fife.

The investment programme has also delivered major improvements to the facility, including a new paint shop, modern cutting technology and upgraded lifting equipment. A further £12million of investment announced this year is supporting the site's continued development and its ability to deliver larger, more complex projects.

Alongside its growing order book, Navantia UK is investing in the next generation of Scotland's industrial workforce. Methil now has 75 apprentices, including 21 who joined this year, providing young people with opportunities to build careers in skilled engineering and manufacturing.

This forms part of Navantia UK's wider commitment, recently increased by 50%, to train 750 apprentices across its four UK facilities by 2030, up from the current cohort of 340.

Mr Swinney said: “It was a pleasure to meet apprentices, tour the impressive skills centre which they have built and hear about their experiences. Apprenticeships provide opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills, earn while they learn and move into positive destinations with the prospect of rewarding, well-paid careers.

"Navantia's commitment to investing in skills and workforce development is helping create opportunities for the next generation and supporting the long-term future of Scotland's shipbuilding and maritime industries.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting at least 150,000 apprenticeship opportunities over this parliamentary term to help more people access high-quality jobs and earn good wages.”

Donato Martínez, chief executive officer of Navantia UK, said: "In less than two years, we have grown our workforce by more than 50%, invested £26.7 million in modernising the facility and secured new export contracts that are bringing more skilled jobs to Fife.

"This progress reflects our long-term ambition for Methil. We are building a competitive, modern facility with the skills and capabilities to deliver increasingly complex projects for customers in the UK and internationally.

"With further investment underway, recruitment continuing and a new generation of apprentices joining our workforce, we are creating the foundations for sustained growth and a strong future for Scottish industry."