An engineering fabrication firm in Lochaber has embarked on a £539,000 project that will significantly increase productivity and efficiency, and help meet growing demand for its services.
Northern Engineering and Welding Company (NEWCo) is expanding its premises in Fort William by 50% and installing two new overhead cranes.
The company secured a £172,700 contribution from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards building and plant and equipment costs.
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
Overhead cranes will make handling materials and projects more efficient, as well as improving safety and cutting carbon by reducing forklift use.
NEWCo specialises in all types of welding, fabrication and mechanical engineering. Capacity includes Mig, Tig and MMA welding, as well as rolling, shearing, punching, bending and plasma profiling facilities.
From its Fort William workshop, its team of skilled technicians services clients in sectors such as oil and gas, defence, transport and renewable energy.
In 2015, the company became a subsidiary of Moray based AJ Engineering and Construction Limited, one of the region’s foremost steel fabrication, steel erection and cladding specialists.
Since then, it has broadened its market reach to the point that extending the premises and improving the layout is necessary to meet increased demand and continue growth.
The expansion project will support five jobs, including an apprentice, and bring about an estimated £800,000 increase in annual turnover within three years.
Elaine Jones senior development manager with HIE’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team said:
“We’re very pleased to be supporting this great project. NEWCo has grown steadily over the years and this latest expansion will enable it to continue that growth. The increase in capacity and productivity of the business will strengthen its position as a valuable provider of skilled job opportunities in Lochaber, including apprenticeships. It will also contribute to the region’s just transition to net zero. We look forward to continuing to work with the company as the project takes shape.”
Neil Worsdall, general manager of NEWCo, said:
“The works on this expansion are ongoing. The fabrication of the steelwork for the extension is underway and will be ongoing and the civil side of the extension is also in hand. We are balancing managing the extension as we also work to meet the demands of our customers. It is flat out at the NEWCo facility as we work hard to look after our growing customer base.”
Managing director Alan James added:
“We are very pleased that the works to expand our base at Fort William are progressing. NEWCo was bought in 2015 and since that time the workload there has been increasing month on month, and we are now at a point where we need to look at what we have in place for our hardworking team and make it even more efficient for them and therefore our growing customer base.
“The building currently houses offices and a workshop, but we need more space to meet the huge demand and to install the new overhead cranes which will make the processes more efficient.
“We are very pleased that Highlands and Islands Enterprise has seen the value in supporting this expansion and thank them for their support.”
Related Articles
New support programme launched for food and drink sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.
Advanced technology will give Caithness firm a competitive edge
The new Leica scanner will enable Envision to offer a broader range of services to existing and new clients.
£250k boost for new whisky distillery in Caithness
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
50 plus jobs supported by HIE in Caithness and Sutherland in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
Project to market a safer sustainable bulk bag
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
50 jobs supported by HIE in Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross in 2023/24
Figures show that businesses and communities supported by HIE across Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross during last financial year are set to create or retain around 50 jobs, including 15 in fragile areas.
100+ jobs supported by HIE in Moray in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
Argyll's new £8.1m building will strengthen marine industries
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
New report highlights economic opportunities in reducing emissions
A new report published today (Tuesday 16 July) outlines significant economic opportunities associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Highlands and Islands.
Over 1,200 jobs supported by HIE in 2023/24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
HIE empowers graduates to drive economic growth
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.