Weir Group in nuclear agreement

Weir employs 9,000 people worldwide across a range of sectors

Weir Group has joined forces with Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to carry out work for new nuclear power stations.

Under the deal Mitsubishi would design and make pumps for the stations.

Weir would be responsible for the commissioning, the project management, installation and maintenance.

The Scottish government is opposed to new nuclear stations but several sites have been earmarked in England and Wales.

Weir said the "primary focus" of the agreement was on the UK nuclear new build market, however the joint cooperation may extend to other locations.

Keith Cochrane, chief executive of Weir, said: "This agreement provides an excellent opportunity to further grow our nuclear offering and build and strengthen customer relationships."

Weir employs 9,000 people around the world, working across the mineral, oil and gas and power sectors.