Norwest Holst Soil Engineering Ltd

Multi-national enterprise, Norwest Holst Soil Engineering Limited, whose parent company is Vinci Plc - the world's largest construction and concessions group - is a new addition to the business landscape in West Lothian

After taking the decision to set up a permanent base in Scotland for the first time, the company searched for a prime business location that would meet its specific needs and optimise its reach in servicing contracts throughout Scotland and the North of England. Conveniently located at the heart of Scotland?s central belt and with easy access to the main motorway networks and airport connections, Norwest Holst now occupies large-scale office and laboratory space in Livingston in West Lothian.

The new site at Houstoun Industrial Estate offered the right combination of office, laboratory, warehousing and open yard space at an affordable price. With plenty of room for expansion, the company's growth plans reflect Vinci Plc's large investment in a long-term future in the area.

From its West Lothian base, Norwest Holst provides a vital service to construction and development companies, analysing ground conditions of proposed sites and reporting back on their suitability, while advising on appropriate foundations for any given structure. It also offers a contamination testing facility - another crucial service for the construction industry.

Drawing upon the area's well-educated blue-collar workforce, the company has easily recruited laboratory staff at the new site.

In addition to the company's hopes to undertake large-scale projects from its Scottish base, it has identified there is a sizeable market for medium and small contracts. 

The company employs a local workforce and uses local suppliers to resource everything from its fuel to welding and metal works, cleaning to stationery supplies. The outlook is positive and as the business continues to grow, so will demand for local companies' products and services, in turn building the local economy.