Member Article

Prudhoe firm ‘changing the way engineering and manufacturing is done in the North East’

Hexham MP Guy Opperman has lavished praise on Tyne Valley-based, supply chain management firm Global Manufacturing Supplies (GMS), following a visit to the company’s headquarters this week.

Specialising in the source and supply of engineered components, GMS turned over £11m in 2014, and counts the likes of Caterpillar, JCB and Britax among its current customers.

The firm also established a new, 14,000sqft Technical and Quality Centre adjacent to its existing unit on Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate in February of this year.

Mr Opperman toured company HQ, while also taking the time to chat with staff members about the future of the engineering sector on a regional and national level.

He said: “It was great to visit GMS, to meet the team and support a thriving engineering business in Northumberland.

“What they are doing is innovative, important and changing the way engineering and manufacturing is done in the North East.”

Founded in 1998, GMS moved into an 11,000sqft mixed-use property in July 2007, acquiring an additional unit four years in later in anticipation of the growth of the business.

In December 2014, the company bought former client LYNX Fishing out of administration, and is now gearing up to market the Alnwick-based firm’s patented Precision Hand Tool – a technology which links fishing line and hook without the need for a knot or a crimp.

During his visit, Mr Opperman was given an insight into the burgeoning LYNX brand, and praised GMS’ commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.

GMS Managing Director Owen Ingram said: “It was a hugely rewarding experience for everybody at GMS. I was very impressed by Guy’s drive to see engineering grow in the North East, and for the economy to grow as a result.

“We don’t want to stand still – we want to move the business forward, broadening our customer base across a diverse range of industries. We want to continue to support other businesses – allowing them to grow because of the cost structure we can support them with.

“We have established relationships with a number of new customers in 2015, across a range of different sectors – including aerospace, electric vehicle manufacture, and domestic flue systems.”

He added: “Guy’s enthusiasm for what we do was apparent, and it was a pleasure to demonstrate to him how we deliver on our promises to customers.”

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