Scottish engineers remain upbeat

Engineering firms are optimistic about the future

The latest survey by industry body Scottish Engineering has found that output levels between July and September held steady.

Firms also said that employment was buoyant, although orders were down very slightly.

Scottish Engineering said the figures were encouraging for almost all sizes and types of firms with medium-sized companies more likely to recruit.

Fabricators, however, appeared to be suffering due to seasonal factors.

Dr Peter Hughes, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, said: "In a number of meetings I have held throughout Scotland recently there is a significant level of optimism, with relatively few companies having a negative outlook for 2011 and beyond.

"Following the record high results we reported in our September Review it is heartening to see that the overall message from the manufacturing engineering sector remains extremely positive."