Blackburn, UK – WEC Group, a leading force in the UK’s subcontract manufacturing sector, has announced the commencement of construction on a new state-of-the-art, 60sq ft heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility in Walker Park, Blackburn. 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 1 subcontract manufacturing company” said Steve Fitzpatrick.”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 5 metres in diameter, significantly expanding the Group’s existing capabilities, which already include 3 large Correa Axias and an Asquith Butler traveling 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 transdorm the subcontracting landscape, offering unparalleled services in the UK” Mr Fitzpatrick added.
Steve Hartley, Group Managing Director, commented during the ground breaking 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 group.”
WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication I expected to create 60 new jobs including 1- additional Machining apprentices, further supporting the local community and strengthening the skilled workforce trained at WEC’s Apprentice Academy.