WEC invests in new division

ENGINEERING and fabrication business WEC has set up a new powder coating operation in East Lancashire that could create 25 new jobs.

The Darwen firm, which has annual sales of £35m and a 425-strong workforce, is investing £500,000 in the venture to buy the latest power coating technology.

WEC carries out fabrication work for industries ranging from rail to offshore oil and gas extraction. Its manufacturing ranges from footbridges and bus frames, to log-fired stoves and street furniture. It has operations in Darwen as well as Blackburn, Knowsley on Merseyside and Leeds.

Commercial group director Wayne Wild said: “We’re proud to be one of the very few companies in the UK that can offer our whole range of services in-house. The new powder coating division allows us to do everything under one roof, improving lead times and reducing transport costs. It also puts us in a strong position to establish additional partnerships with First Tiers [the most important players in a supply chain] and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“We continue to invest in our workforce as we look to continue our growth. Job creation is important to us and the new division could potentially create a further 25 new jobs.”

WEC was founded in 1979 by business partners Steve Hartley and Ross Place.