Teesside-based QA Weld Tech, a leading specialist in welding and precision fabrication services, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its successful takeover.
Over the past year the company, based on Riverside Industrial Park, Middlesbrough, has achieved remarkable growth, doubling the order book and embarking on an ambitious recruitment drive to support its expanding operations.
The business was acquired in July last year by Express Engineering, a Gateshead-based global turnkey supplier for subsea actuator assemblies, connection systems and subsea production systems. The purchase expanded Express Engineering’s technical capabilities and adds fabricated flow loops, spools and pipe cladding to the specialist product range and gives access to additional markets and customers.
Since the acquisition the technical expertise on offer has allowed QA weld Tech to further develop its long-term existing partnerships with key clients, resulting in a significant increase in orders. The order book has doubled to more than £10m, with a strong pipeline of work including new international work.
Following the acquisition there has been a management restructure, significant investment in new capital equipment and expansion of the workforce. In response to the surge in demand, QA Weld Tech has launched a comprehensive recruitment campaign to attract skilled professionals across various disciplines expanding the workforce from 39 to 46. The company is seeking talented welders, platers, CNC machinists, and technical support staff to join its dynamic team and hopes to recruit around a dozen new people before the end of the year.
Building and strengthening the workforce and skill levels has been a major priority during the last year or more. QA Weld Tech will be working closely with Middlesbrough and Hartlepool Colleges to develop future skills and apprenticeships.
“QA Weld Tech has been established for over 40 years and its technical delivery remains highly regarded with our Global customers. The growth we have seen this year is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, as well as the trust our clients place in our services. Last year’s acquisition provided an opportunity to safeguard a highly-skilled workforce and build on the business’ experience and legacy.
“During the past year, we have been integrating the business into the Express Engineering Group, introducing the same systems already used successfully at our Gateshead site, as well as investing over £500K into new state-of-the-art welding technology and expanding the manufacturing capacity of the business to ensure we continue to meet the exacting needs of our customers.
“We have secured some significant, long-term contracts with existing customers and we will continue to identify and explore other global opportunities. We are thrilled with our progress and excited about the future.”
Julian MacBride, Engineering Director at Express Engineering Group and General Manager of QA Weld Tech
