Express Engineering appoints QA Weld Tech leader

Express Engineering Group has appointed Neil Pentland as general manager and site director of its Teesside-based specialist welding and fabrication business, QA Weld Tech, as it continues to invest in the company’s long-term growth.

Neil will lead QA Weld Tech's Middlesbrough operation, overseeing complex fabrication projects, strengthening customer relationships and supporting the continued development of the business. 

Working alongside the site’s senior management team, he will focus on enhancing project delivery, expanding capabilities and driving future growth.

Bringing more than 30 years’ experience, Neil has held senior leadership roles across the engineering, manufacturing and energy sectors, including managing director of LFF Glamal, technical director for LFF’s subsea division and, most recently, divisional director for Tube & Piping at voestalpine Speciality Performance Metals UK. 

He has extensive expertise supporting complex global supply chains across the subsea, oil and gas and wider energy industries.

Neil said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining QA Weld Tech at such an exciting moment in its history. 

“Having worked closely with the energy and subsea supply chains throughout my career, I know firsthand the stellar reputation it holds for complex fabrications and welding technologies. 

“I look forward to working alongside our talented Middlesbrough team and the wider Express Engineering Group to deliver exceptional quality, predictability, and service to our global customer base.”

Neil’s appointment follows a period of significant investment in QA Weld Tech, including the acquisition of a new 16,000sq ft dockside facility and continued expansion of its advanced manufacturing capabilities. 

It reflects Express Engineering Group’s commitment to strengthening the Middlesbrough business as it responds to growing demand from customers across global markets.

Craig Swinhoe, chief executive of Express Engineering Group, added: “Securing a leader of Neil’s calibre is a testament to our ongoing ambitions for the Middlesbrough site. 

“This appointment comes at an exciting time for our business, following the Group being honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise for Outstanding Short-Term Growth in International Trade. 

“Neil’s technical background in metallurgy, combined with outstanding commercial leadership, will be invaluable as we look to scale our capacity at Middlesbrough by 40 per cent over the next three years, increase our service offering, enhance our client relationships and seamlessly integrate our Group capabilities.”

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