A naval ship builder is reporting record levels of investment and a growing workforce of nearly 4,000.
BAE Systems Naval Ships has run the Govan and Scotstoun yards in Glasgow since 2001.
On Monday, it confirmed it had taken on 550 new staff in 2006 to cope with orders it has on its books.
Since taking ownership, the firm has invested more than £60m in facilities and training, and in 2006 BAE Systems' sales were more than £15.4bn.
Vic Emery, managing director of BAE Systems Naval Ships, said: "BAE Systems is proud to be part of the Clyde legacy, but we are also very proud to be at the forefront of new innovation in warship building.
"We are successfully attracting both fully qualified, skilled employees and young apprentices"
"Working on contracts such as the Type 45 Destroyer and the Future Aircraft Carrier, I am confident that our business will continue to thrive.
"The warship building industry provides outstanding career opportunities and we are successfully attracting both fully qualified, skilled employees and young apprentices who will be the next generation of warship builders and integrators."
In 2007, the firm will merge its naval ships and naval support business, in accordance with the UK Government's defence strategy.
Staff at Scotstoun are currently kitting out Type 45 Destroyer HMS Daring, the world's most advanced warship.
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