Glacier Energy opens new base in Boldon

A major growth plan will see up to 22 new jobs created as the north-east base of an international oilfield specialist opened its doors in Boldon.

Glacier Energy Services have officially opened the north-east arm of its Wellclad business in an investment worth more than £325,000.

In the move to its new base, Wellclad has doubled its staff to 16, a figure which could increase to 30 within a year.

The new 15,000 square foot premises at Burford Way, Boldon, is the second investment Glacier has made in the region after its acquisition of the Site Machining Services in Blyth in 2012.

George Leggate, managing director of Glacier Energy Services’ Engineering Division and co-founder of Wellclad, says: “Securing this site has allowed us to focus on really pushing the business forward ,bringing new jobs to the area and delivering an economic boost to Boldon through our investment.

“Our strategic partnerships and working relationship with key north-east clients continues, with our rising market potential prompting the move to acquire our own workshop and office facility.

“Having already doubled our team here, and with significant new business opportunities currently in negotiations, we aim to open up new posts to the community later this year as we cement our footprint in the north-east.”

Corrosive Resistant Alloy (CRA) weld overlay as a routine process for the “cladding” of alloy steels was pioneered by Wellclad.

The CRA overlay was designed to improve the integrity and service life of critical oil and gas surface and subsea production components used in harsh service environments.

George Rafferty, chief executive of business development organisation NOF Energy, alongside industry-leading original equipment manufacturers, Alex Lamb of BEL Valves, and Mark Gill of National Oilwell Varco Mission Products toured the facility with Stephen Hepburn, MP for Jarrow

Mr Hepburn MP said: “This is good news for the region and especially good news for South Tyneside. I am delighted that this substantial flagship investment will bring new jobs to the local area and help boost the North East economy.

“It was a pleasure to visit Glacier Energy Services and officially open the North East base of its Wellclad business in Boldon. I was very impressed with the plans of Glacier Energy Services and I wish the company well for the future.”