Member Article

Engineering firms growth creates further jobs

A Teesside precision engineering company has announced the creation of 22 new jobs, after a 30% increase in turnover in the past year.

Stockton-on-Tees based Francis Brown Ltd has witnesses sales of around £6 million, a trend attributed to the increased need for fabrication services in the oil, gas, sub-sea and renewables industries.

The firms anticipated further growth in the near future, and aims to create an additional 14 positions, which would bring the total workforce to 89.

Jamie Brown, Managing Director of Francis Brown Ltd, said: “We are part of a strong and integrated supply chain, which is benefiting from the buoyant oil & gas industry and the emergence of sectors such as offshore renewables.

“The business has developed specialist skills, which are required by the core sectors we serve, that have facilitated our growth both in terms of turnover and workforce.”

This year Francis Brown secured a number of upgrade and maintenance projects in the North Sea, as well as a major contract for a series of Launch and Recovery Systems for sub-sea Remote Operated Vehicle manufacturer SMD for projects off the Brazillian coast.

The business has also improved productivity and increased capacity by adopting modern working practices including lean manufacturing and a new, improved shift system.
The firm is now looking for additional platers, welders, estimators and machinists, as well as individuals for several managerial roles.

Jamie added: “It is always satisfying to be able to create new jobs. We are a proud North East business and it is very pleasing to be able to support the local economy through job creation.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .