STOCKTON NEWS
Firm marks anniversary with investment and expansion plans
NATIONAL FIRM ACQUIRES 60 PER CENT STAKE IN UNIVERSAL
national contractor has acquired a 60
A per cent stake in Stockton-based firm Universal Coatings , with bosses saying the deal will create a “ formidable business ”.
Yeovil-based Denholm Industrial Services has acquired the share in Universal Coatings , which will deliver significant investment and commitment to Tees Valley , further bolstering the area ’ s role in markets such as defence , energy and industrial assets .
The new co-ownership formalises an ongoing two-year supply chain relationship between the two organisations and will enable customers to benefit from the enhanced size and scale of the combined operations .
Bringing together the services of both businesses , Universal will provide a comprehensive offering integrating specialist coatings , blasting , scaffolding and rope access to customers responsible for naval defence , energy and industrial facilities .
The business , which operates one of
Together – Denholm managing director Steve Hill with Bill Scott OBE , chief executive of Wilton Universal Group .
the largest coatings facilities in the UK at Wilton Universal Group ’ s 112-acre base on the banks of the River Tees , serves a range of industries , including engineering , petrochemical , subsea , offshore renewables and nuclear power generation .
Employing 61 people , Universal Coatings has a 11,500-sq m blast and coating facility , as well as providing onsite surface and coatings services .
As part of the Wilton Universal Group it supports the activities of Wilton Engineering , which fabricates large and complex steel structures for the energy and defence sectors .
Denholm Industrial Services provides critical engineering support that enables the build and maintenance of power , infrastructure and naval and commercial marine assets .
The business employs more than 600 people at regional branches and project sites across the UK .
A firm that specialises in hiring out engineering equipment , plant and tools to industrial businesses across the North-East is celebrating 40 years of trading .
Stockton-based Allen Hire marked the milestone with events including an open day , a visit by Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and significant investment in new hire equipment and staff .
Founded in 1983 , Allen Hire has grown to supply more than 200 businesses in the North-East and beyond with equipment , machines and tools .
The family-run business has invested tens of thousands of pounds in new hire items , including access equipment , construction hand tools , excavators and welders .
Park extension creating national touring exhibitions is approved
Plans to provide a modern extension to Preston Park Museum have been approved by Stockton Council ’ s planning committee .
The proposals will create a large , flexible exhibition space to allow for nationally significant touring exhibitions and loans , with the new building providing a space to showcase more of the museum ’ s collections for visitors to get up-close and personal with .
The image shows the two-storey extension to the west of the existing museum building , connecting to the popular Victorian Street .
Work will start on site in the New Year and the new extension is expected to open in 2025 .
Tracero celebrates 65th birthday
A Tees-based industrial technology solutions provider is celebrating 65 years in business .
Tracerco began as a scientific research team in 1958 and has now evolved into a business operating across all six continents and with a global team of more than 400 . A specialist in detection , diagnostic and measurement solutions for the global oil , gas and process industries , Tracerco provides services to the global oil and gas industry , with the company carving a reputation for groundbreaking innovation and project delivery .
After recent contract wins , the firm ’ s products and services will soon be mobilised into Brazil , North America , Australia , Africa and Abu Dhabi .
Rusting hulk transformed into a modern manufacturing plant
A near-derelict factory has been transformed into a modern business unit with the aid of investment from the region ’ s largest industrial estate owner .
UK Land Estates ploughed £ 1.5m into the almost total rebuild of the former Cordell works at Teesside Industrial Estate , Thornaby , a property recently let to Hydrasun , a supplier of fluid transfer , power and control solutions .
The 12,000-sq ft plant had lain dormant since Cordell went into administration in 2017 , with the loss of more than 230 jobs .
Hydrasun Teesside agreed a 15-year lease to take on the renovated unit in the summer . The company employs around 500 people worldwide , with 35 in Teesside .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 181