Key supply chain partner expands office presence in Perth to support the delivery of proposed SSEN Transmission projects
NKT, one of SSEN Transmission’s key supply chain partners, is strengthening its long-term commitment to Scotland’s energy infrastructure with the expansion of its office presence in Perth, in preparation for the delivery of proposed major electricity transmission projects under the framework agreement the business has with SSEN Transmission.
NKT has had a presence in Perth since 2018, owed to their work to support the delivery of SSEN Transmission’s Caithness to Moray subsea cable project. The expanded office, located within the King James VI business centre, near Perth’s harbour, will accommodate a growing team preparing for continued collaboration with SSEN Transmission and the potential for the delivery of other high-voltage cable installation projects across the north of Scotland.
The Perth office currently hosts around 20 local employees, with further growth expected to take the NKT closer to 30, combined in Perth and Inverness, in preparation for future demand.
Perth was selected as a strategic base due to its prime location in central Scotland as well as its proximity to the north of Scotland’s Transmission Operator, SSEN Transmission, with whom NKT has a framework agreement to support the delivery of key transmission network upgrades in the coming years, having already worked successfully together to deliver crucial grid projects including the Shetland and Caithness-Moray subsea links.
Sandy Mactaggart, SSEN Transmission’s Director of Offshore Delivery, said:
“It’s great to see NKT expanding their presence in Perth, reflecting the scale and importance of the transmission projects that we hope to deliver together across the north of Scotland. Having NKT’s growing team located close to our headquarters strengthens our ability to support the delivery of Scotland and the UK’s ambitious energy security and clean power targets.
“We’re really looking forward to building on an already successful relationship with NKT.”
Darren Fennell, EVP and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona at NKT, said:
“The expansion of the office is a natural step towards strengthening our position in Scotland and continuing the long-term collaboration with SSEN Transmission to support the interconnection of the Scottish power grid. Having successfully delivered several power cable projects in Scotland, we look forward to further growing our presence, supporting local development, and creating jobs.”
Vicki Unite, Chief Executive of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Perthshire is fast becoming a pivotal hub for Scotland’s energy transition, and NKT’s expanded presence in Perth is a clear vote of confidence in the region’s talent, infrastructure, and strategic importance. Perth’s great central and highly accessible location continues to make it an exceptional base for organisations delivering major national infrastructure projects, and we are delighted to see NKT deepen their roots here.
“This growth not only strengthens collaboration with SSEN Transmission but also brings high-value jobs and long-term investment into our local economy. At a time when major national infrastructure programmes are accelerating, it’s hugely encouraging to see global companies like NKT choosing Perth as a base for delivering these critical projects. Their commitment reinforces our region’s role at the forefront of Scotland’s clean energy future, and we look forward to supporting NKT as they continue to grow their team and capabilities here.”
The NKT Perth office complements the company’s head office in Teesside and several smaller Scottish offices, including one in Inverness established in 2020 to support the Shetland subsea cable project. In addition, NKT operates various project-specific offices across Scotland and the rest of the UK.