A Northumberland engineering firm has invested £1.3m into a new technology centre to cement its reputation as an innovative problem solver for regional, national and international clients.
The 14,000 sqft RED Technology Centre employs 34 skilled staff and represents a key element of the Hexham company’s growth strategy, having hired six new staff over the past year. RED Engineering rented space at a number of locations for its assembly and test activities before creating the new facility, based on the site of a former Northumberland County Council depot beside RED’s head office on Burn Lane, Hexham.
The £4m turnover company, launched in 2008, has self-funded the majority of the investment, together with a £136,000 grant from the Regional Growth Fund. The project included clearing the site and building an industrial unit suitable for the assembly and testing of specialist equipment, including units to provide office, amenities and storage areas.
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Joe Orrell, managing director, said: “The purchase of this site, opposite our head office, has been a long-term goal because it will further integrate our design, build and testing process, which is crucial to the fast-track development of new technology and solutions for our clients. This significant investment will provide us with additional capability and resource to manage and deliver the growing number of projects we are winning.
“The direct benefits include overhead craneage and more space to operate new test equipment, such as a bend with tension test rig we have developed for offshore wind farm cable testing. In addition, further integration of our design, build and testing activities will help accelerate the delivery of innovation for our clients.
“The investment is great news for our customers and also sends a strong message to the local community that RED Engineering remains totally committed to our roots here in the Tyne Valley. We believe the RED Technology Centre will be a hub of engineering excellence that will allow us to attract and retain top engineering talent and encourage young people to embark on a career in engineering.”
RED Engineering is currently working with students at Queen Elizabeth High School and is sponsoring one ex-student through university. It regularly has pupils on work experience placements and is mentoring a number of GCSE Design Technology students.
Lord Matt Ridley, who attended a launch event, said: “Congratulations to RED Engineering on its latest investment. The company already has an outstanding track record of delivering innovation for its clients to enable the safe completion of the most challenging engineering projects, but this facility will undoubtedly deliver a step change in its capabilities. It’s also great news for the regional community, bringing the prospect of further jobs and spend with local supply chain partners.
“This part of the North East has been the base for a number of truly pioneering engineering businesses that have a focus on problem solving and innovation. That legacy continues and it is great to see that pioneering culture and can-do spirit alive and well at RED.”