Gateshead £3.5m engineering facility to create dozens of jobs

Construction has begun on a new multi-million pound engineering facility that is set to create a raft of jobs in Gateshead.

The £3.5m engineering assembly and test centre will comprise 48,000 sq ft of manufacturing space for global subsea oil and gas specialist Express Engineering.

Expected to be completed later this year, the facility will create 30 engineering roles, and follows the firm’s recruitment of 100 people over the last 12 months.

Chris Thompson, chairman of Express Engineering, commented: “It’s great to see work start on the new facility, which will be critical to supporting our growth ambitions and providing sector leading customers with the very best, high quality subsea products.”

Tim Witty, development director at UK Land Estates, added: “It’s been a pleasure to watch Express Engineering go from strength to strength over the past year - hiring 100 staff, winning new contracts and now expanding into new premises on one of our premier trading estates.

“The new facility will be purpose built to meet the business’s new staff and manufacturing requirements. Located on the popular Team Valley, it will also have fantastic transport links, green spaces and a range of retail and leisure options right on the doorstep – making it ideally placed to do business.

“I look forward to seeing works continue to progress on site and welcoming the Express Engineering team in the months to come.”