The Arnish yard on Lewis was “within minutes” of closing a number of times during tense negotiations over its severe cash crisis last week it has emerged.
Workers faced losing their jobs desperate attempts were made to try and prevent owners’ BiFab going bust.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met personnel at the firm’s yard in Methil, Fife, to thank them workers for their dignity and determination in continuing a turbine contract despite there being no cash left to pay wages.
She highlighted the firm could have fallen into administration at various occasions last week.
The Scottish Government led talks last week to sort out a dispute about contractor payments BiFab said it was owed and brokered a deal in time to avoid the company’s expected collapse into administration.
A financial package to complete the contract has been agreed and Scottish Government will loan cash to BiFab if necessary.
Ms Sturgeon said: "I am pleased that we have been able to secure the immediate future for BiFab, and the completion of the contract for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm.
"The skills and dedication of the workforce at BiFab are recognised throughout the renewables and offshore industry, and the workers' clear commitment to their jobs played a key part in helping us identify a solution to the problems facing the company.
"This last week will have been a worrying time for BiFab’s workers and their families.
"Despite this, they have shown the utmost professionalism and dedication, agreeing to work throughout last week in order to ensure that the current contract continued.
"We will continue to work with BiFab, its commercial partners, and the trade unions on a long term viable future for the company to ensure that Bifab can play a prominent role in Scotland’s renewables industry."
Arnish yard “within minutes” of closure
22 November 2017
Nicola Sturgeon with BiFab boss Martin Adam and workers in Fife.