Troubled industry motor firm sold

Laurence Scott Electromotors makes motors for the oil and gas industry

A troubled Norwich engineering firm has been bought by a Vienna-based electric motor company.

The ATB group has bought Laurence Scott Electromotors - which makes motors for the oil and gas industry - after it called in the administrators.

Austrian firm ATB said Laurence Scott had existing orders worth about £17m.

After a change of ownership in 2005, the new management boosted sales last year, but cash flow problems forced the firm to call in administrators.

Last week about 80 of the 200-strong workforce at Laurence Scott - which was founded in 1883 - were made redundant.

The Amicus branch of the Unite union, which represents workers at the plant, said officials had spoken to the new owners and they were hopeful about the job situation.

Christian Schmidt, chief executive officer of ATB Austria Antriebstechnik, said: "Laurence Scott and Electromotors is a premier brand, and enjoys an outstanding reputation in the oil and gas industry worldwide.

"This makes it the perfect bolt-on for the English market where we have already been very successful."