Paralloy forges stronger ties across the Channel

A Teesside engineering group is marking one year since rescuing a historic French manufacturer.

Paralloy Group, based in Billingham and Middlesbrough, acquired Normandy’s Manoir Industries in 2023, safeguarding more than 550 jobs. 

The deal also included UK-based Hi-Tech Fabrication, in Burton-on-Trent.

Over the past year, Paralloy staff have worked closely with their new French colleagues, sharing best practice across sites and industries. 

Both companies produce high-spec steel components for sectors including petrochemical, aerospace and defence, with Manoir also active in nuclear.

The anniversary was celebrated with a staff event in Normandy, echoing similar celebrations in the UK where Paralloy recently received the King’s Award for International Trade.

Robert McGowan, chief executive of Paralloy Group, said: “Our UK and French colleagues have worked so well together to create a world class team at all levels of the Group.

“We took the time this week to pause and look back on a remarkable year full of challenges, but also many wins and so much progress.

“It has been such an honour and privilege to lead this major development in our exciting journey of growth. 

“I am proud of what we are building and excited about the future.

Paralloy Group has grown significantly in recent years, with revenues now at £230 million and headcount rising to 560 across its UK operations.

And this growth has taken place despite a series of global disruptions – from Brexit and Covid to soaring inflation, the energy crisis and trade tariffs under President Trump.

Paralloy currently ranks number two in Europe in its sector and number three in the world, but predicted Robert, “the best is yet to come”. 

He added: “Despite so many issues facing industry across the world, we see opportunity.

“We should recognise that there are not many companies around who have been able to grow consistently year after year in this context.”

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