Moray businessman Alan James retires from AJ Engineering after founding Forres business nearly three decades ago
The owner of a prominent Moray firm is retiring from the business he founded after it was acquired by a global company.
Alan James founded AJ Engineering in 1999 but has now made the decision to step away from the business and retire at the age of 71.
It has been acquired by RSK Group which describes itself as a “global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions”.
Mr James says that the move will allow the business to continue moving forward but added that the day-to-day operations of AJ Engineering and Fort William-based sister company NEWCo will remain largely unchanged.
Graham Alexander, who has been with the business for over a decade, will step into Mr James’ previous role and will become group managing director.
Mr James said: “The decision to join RSK has been made with growth of the business in mind.
“By joining a larger organisation, AJ Engineering and NEWCo will benefit from increased new business opportunities, a broad range of knowledge sharing, and working in partnership and collaboration with the other RSK Group businesses on a wide range of varied and inclusive projects.
“The companies’ proven track record, strong client base and high-quality output will complement RSK’s services.
“This truly marks the start of exciting times for all at AJ’s and NEWCo.”
Alan started his career in 1971 as an apprentice at Forres-based company William Reid Engineering.
He then progressed into the drawing office and became involved in project management.
He was promoted to projects director and successfully completed a three-year part-time course at Aberdeen University in 1996 where he gained a MSc in project management.
In January 1999, after being made redundant when William Reid Engineering went into liquidation, Alan launched AJ Engineering.
Around two months later, he employed one other workshop-based employee and rented a building on the Greshop Industrial Estate in Forres.
Today, AJ Engineering employs 125 people across its sites in Forres, Fort William and Carlisle.
It has worked on high profile projects such as the rocket launch facility at SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, Shetland, and for the last five years has been sending teams to work on the Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.
The company has continued to invest in young people after Mr James himself started out as an apprentice.
He added: “The intention is that for our staff here in Forres, Fort William and Carlisle, it’s very much business as usual.
“I am well over retirement age, and making sure that the company that I have built, with lots of support along the way, continues to grow from strength to strength has been very important to me.
“Going forward, the business will continue to be led by Graham (Alexander), and Neil Worsdall will continue as NEWCo general manager.
“I will have a short handover period, but Graham with his experience will complete the takeover.”
As well as his role as company owner, Mr James is also a depute lieutenant of Moray and a director of Forres Events Limited which staged Piping at Forres for six years and the Grant Park 100 celebration in 2024.
His role in the community is also reflected in the wider AJ Engineering team who have previously assisted with the local fireworks display, Forres Highland Games and the erection of the town’s Christmas lights.
RSK was founded in the UK in 1989, originally focused on providing environmental consultancy services to global energy clients.
The business believes that the acquisition of AJ Engineering and NEWCo will help it to strengthen its UK engineering capabilities specifically in water, infrastructure and energy.
