Jobs are expected to be created after a major mineral drilling firm opened its Europe, Middle East and Africa headquarters in Alloa.

Indodrill EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) is a joint venture between the Indodrill Group – the third largest mineral drilling operation in the southern hemisphere – and the Mulraney Group.

Its new Clackmannanshire home was officially opened by the chairman of the Indodrill Group, John Horne.

He said, “This represents an exciting opportunity for Indodrill to expand further building upon their global brand while tying up with the Mulraney Group who already own Europe’s largest sonic drilling operation – Geosonic.

“Having previously partnered with Geosonic in Asia we saw this as a natural fit.” Mike Mulraney, of the Mulraney Group, confirmed that negotiations for new mineral contracts were already under way in both the UK, Europe and Africa.

He added, “We saw this opportunity as a natural progression for our existing drilling operations and for Alloa this sees a real opportunity for us to build upon the existing 50 core drilling jobs which are based in the county with more high value and highly technical opportunities for further employment.” While other offices are set to open throughout Europe and Africa, Alloa will remain the firm’s northern hemisphere headquarters.

Keith Brown MSP, who attended the official opening, said, “Attracting and retaining the presence of multi-national companies like Indodrill to Clackmannanshire is vital for making the economy flourish so I am delighted to see such a significant player, in partnership with the Mulraney Group, coming to Alloa – along with all the opportunities that will bring to the local area.”