WEC to build Europe’s largest subcontract heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility
Above: Steve Hartley, WEC Group’s Managing Director and Steve Fitzpatrick, CEO of WEC Machining breaking the ground for the new heavy machining facility, on Walker Park, Blackburn.
Courtesy WEC
This new development marks a significant milestone in the Group's ongoing expansion strategy and cements its position as the premier subcontract manufacturing business in the UK.
The new division, is set to become one of the largest subcontract machining facilities in Europe. Located adjacent to the company's existing WEC Machining facility as well as the Group’s recently inaugurated Apprentice Academy, this new purpose-built development will support the UK's industrial capabilities in key sectors such as nuclear, defence, offshore and general engineering.
"Our £10 million investment in WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication underscores our ongoing commitment to adding value to our customers’ supply chains and this consolidates our position in the UK’s number one subcontract manufacturing company" said Steve Fitzpatrick, CEO of Machining at WEC Group. "With this new facility, we are not only expanding our capacity but also enhancing our overall ability to deliver turnkey solutions for large and oversized projects."
The facility will be equipped with six large CNC machining centres, capable of handling components up to 20 metres in length and five metres in diameter, significantly expanding the Group’s existing capabilities, which already include three large Correa Axia’s and an Asquith Butler travelling column large milling machines already in place within the group’s existing Blackburn and Darwen facilities.
"The scale and precision of our new equipment are set to transform the subcontracting landscape, offering unparalleled services in the UK," Mr Fitzpatrick added.
Steve Hartley, Group Managing Director, commented during the groundbreaking ceremony: "This expansion is a pivotal part of our strategy to maintain and extend our leadership in the subcontract manufacturing industry. We are proud to invest in not only our company's future but also in the economic growth of Blackburn and the wider region."
WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication facility is expected to create 60 new jobs including 10 additional Machining apprentices, further supporting the local community and strengthening the skilled workforce trained at WEC’s Apprentice Academy.
WEC Group Ltd has been at the forefront of the UK metal fabrication and engineering industry for over 40 years. With 900 staff and nine manufacturing sites in Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire and the West Midlands, the company comprises of 15 specialist divisions spread across over 600,000 square feet of production facilities.
The group has been providing manufacturing services including welding & fabrication, laser cutting, precision machining, waterjet cutting, powder coating, heavy engineering and CCTV mounting solutions.
