Teesside family firm creates jobs with six-figure ‘life saving’ machinery order

A Teesside manufacturing firm has secured its largest ever order to deliver ‘life saving’ machines during the COVID-19 crisis.

ESCS, which is based in Middlesbrough, is set to complete the first four of eight specialised fire protection machines.

The family-run firm has been able to and has created new jobs to fulfil the £750k order, which will see machines delivered to its facility at Haverton Hill and used to spray a protective material onto steel before being transported to a factory in Ireland.

The firm’s self-built ES430 is a passive fire protection (PFP) machine that sprays thick coatings of intumescent epoxy materials to protect steel structures from fire and explosions on facilities such as refineries, chemical plants and oil rigs.

ESCS managing director, Shaun McDonald, commented: “We couldn’t be prouder to be building these machines right here on Teesside because the material they spray onto steel and pipework saves lives in the event of a fire.

“This order represents our biggest ever single order and has allowed us to create jobs for four additional fitters.

“Including parts of our suppliers, every nut and bolt was made right here on Teesside.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This family-run company is producing incredibly worthwhile, life-saving products and is showing just how entrepreneurs, job creators and innovators across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are doing business on a global stage.

“While we’re doing all we can to help those brilliant businesses that find themselves struggling in these unprecedented times, it’s heartening to hear some good from one of our amazing businesses.”