Modular housing manufacturer Enevate Homes is investing £2.9 million in its staff, plant and equipment, supported by Scottish Enterprise.

The development agency is providing a £739,000 grant as part of a productivity drive.

It was unveiled during a visit to Enevate Homes by Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur and Scottish Enterprise director of productivity, Elaine Morrison.

Dartford-based Enevate manufactures its steel framed buildings at its 150,000 sq ft facility at Netherton, Wishaw. It will create 18 jobs, taking the team to 70 employees, which includes an increased number of apprenticeships.

Providing opportunities for young people has become a focus for the company and a key component of its growth plans.

Gary Mayatt, managing director, said: “The grant from Scottish Enterprise has provided us with the opportunity to invest in apprentices and support the future of North Lanarkshire’s younger generation through apprenticeship programmes and upskilling initiatives.”

Diane Greenlees, director of Skills Development Scotland, said: “There are more apprentices training in construction than any other sector of Scotland’s economy. 

“We estimate that the country needs 70,000 new entrants to the sector in the next decade to meet industry demand and apprenticeships can play a major role in ensuring construction employers can meet this challenge.”