A LEADING Japanese refrigeration firm has revealed plans to set up a base in Scotland.

Executives from Mayekawa met with External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop (pictured) to hear of their intention to come to Scotland and create 20 jobs over five years.

The firm would then increase its workforce, depending on growth of business in Europe.

Mayekawa, founded in Tokyo, wants to set up a branch in Glasgow to support research and

development as well as sales and administration for its UK/Europe division.

Hyslop is in Japan this week to strengthen trade and investment links. She said: “Scotland is recognised on the world stage as a leader in global business services. A number of Japanese companies have had a presence in Scotland for many years and have gone on to celebrate further growth. Mayekawa’s new Glasgow office will stand as yet more evidence of the strong links between our two nations.

“We offer a perfect environment for continuous research and ground-breaking technology development through an innovative company base, world-class universities and leading innovation centres.”

Mayekawa’s president Shin Maekawa said: “We have many projects to develop now, including new refrigeration products. We hope these can be progressed at our new base in Glasgow.

“We hope to make these projects a success, and to increase our capability in Glasgow.”