Wakefield firm expands US footprint with six-figure deal

A Wakefield-based pyrometallurgical engineering firm has secured a six-figure contract to supply a new plant to international firm NELCO Worldwide.

Inprotec, which is based in Normanton, has won a contract to supply a new lead casting plant to the medical and industrial radiation shielding specialist at its site in Houston, Texas.

A family-run engineering business which started in 1977 as G.A. Oldroyd, the business was rebranded as Inprotec in 2010 with the company moving to a bespoke manufacturing facility in Normanton shortly afterwards.

Inprotec specialises in the design and supply of pyrometallurgical process plant used to recover lead and precious metals and works with a range of global clients.

The new Houston plant will feature three industrial-sized melting kettles where lead will be melted before it is used to create a range of radiation shielding products, including the lead doors and bricks used to encase X-ray and radiology facilities.

Chris Oldroyd, managing director of Inprotec, commented: “We’re delighted to announce this contract win and excited to be working with a business of the scale and significance of NELCO.

“Once operational, the plant will deliver massive benefits to NELCO, ranging from boosting their already impressive production capabilities, through to significantly enhancing the working environment for employees and reducing the company’s environmental footprint.”

Gary Miller, executive VP and chief operating office at NELCO Worldwide, added: “We chose to partner with Inprotec for their world-leading process and mechanical engineering capabilities and we’re looking forward to realising the benefits that this new plant will bring to our facility in Houston.”