WEC Group powers up to £1m invested

WEC Group, one of the UK’s largest engineering and fabrication companies, has invested another £500,000 in its waterjet operation as the division continues its rapid growth.
 
A new state-of-the-art dynamic waterjet machine has just been commissioned at WECJet’s Blackburn factory to add to its cutting capacity.
 
It brings the total amount invested in the division during its first 18 months of trading to just under £1m.
 
The division has also increased its manufacturing floorspace by an extra 10,000sq ft as part of its growth plan, which is set to lead to the creation of another six jobs this year.
 
Investments in the latest waterjet technology have enabled the division to win large offshore contracts that have benefited other businesses across the group.
 
The division, based on the Shadsworth Business Park in Blackburn, is also targeting the aerospace sector for work after receiving AS/EN 9100 accreditation, which is key to gaining contracts as part of the supply chain network.
 
Gareth Taylor, director of WECJet, said: “WECJet is the first company in the UK to acquire three dynamic waterjet cutting machines after only 18 months of trading and it is an indication of just how the business has taken off.
 
“We are seeing demand for our services in a number of sectors and we are currently looking to gain work in the aerospace sector, where we see some great opportunities.
 
“The third larger waterjet cutting model we have just commissioned adds to our capacity and ability to deliver high precision and quality cutting.
 
“We’re also looking to double our staff at WECJet during 2015 operating out of modern premises on a site that has the room for further expansion.
 
“It’s fair to say we are delighted with WECJet’s first 18 months of trading and we are excited about the possibilities for the future.
 
“It’s great that we are also able to keep increasing our staff numbers as the result of our growing order book.”
 
WECJet’s growth continues as its parent group continues its ambitious expansion plans. Privately-owned WEC Group has an impressive 35-year track record in investment and job creation.
 
The company has launched a brand new powder coating division, based at the group’s Darwen headquarters, with another £500,000 investment in the latest technology.
 
WEC Powder Coating has been launched as a way of furthering the group’s ambition to become a true “one-stop shop” in the fabrication and engineering sector.
 
Earlier this year WEC Group, which has its head office in Darwen, also funded a partnership deal to acquire the business and certain assets of South Yorkshire-based metal manufacturing specialist MTL Group, saving 135 jobs.
 
The addition of MTL Group more than doubles WEC’s engineering capacity. It now has almost 600 staff working across eight sites in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Merseyside.
 
WEC Group, which was formed in 1979, has an extensive customer list across a wide range of industries including rail, automotive, nuclear, offshore oil and gas and aerospace, has also purchased a six acre site at the Walker Business Park in Blackburn for future expansion.
 
Its manufacturing ranges from footbridges and bus frames, to log-fired stoves and street furniture.