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An ambitious North East engineering firm is celebrating a bumper year, including delivering a series of UK engineering firsts and increasing its staff headcount by 55%.

Northern Engineering Solutions specialises in mechanical, electrical and process engineering (MEP) solutions, focusing on high and ultra-high-purity process pipework, cleanrooms, and effluent treatment systems. It has secured and delivered several high-profile contracts over the last 12 months, as well as developing a strong pipeline of future work.

In November last year, Simon Taylor joined the business as co-owner and director following a five-year stint working in a consulting capacity. He stepped into the position previously held by Mark Hodges, who retired on ill health grounds after co-founding the business in 2007 alongside Mark Davey. Mr Hodges continues to fight leukaemia after being diagnosed more than 20 years ago. His wife, Christine, retired at the same time.

Mr Taylor isn’t the only new face, as Northern Engineering Solutions has welcomed eight new staff members through its doors. They bring expertise in engineering design, welding, pipefitting, finance and environmental sustainability.

Coupled with the existing staff cohort, the team based in North Shields has been focusing on two main projects. These have resulted in several UK engineering firsts. Northern Engineering Solutions kick-started a Phase 1 R&D project earlier this year to help the Royal Air Force (RAF) accelerate its journey to net zero. Project PICASSO is an effluent treatment system that uses bacteria to rapidly treat waste aviation fuel and capture carbon dioxide in a solid form that can be repurposed. It builds on a previous collaboration with Northumbria University and the RAF, which received funding from The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

The engineering firm has also led the design and build of a 600m2, Class 10,000 semiconductor cleanroom in Meadowfield, County Durham, for Pragmatic. It was created to support a state-of-the-art 300mm wafer fabrication line, the first of its kind in the UK. Known as a Fab-in-a-Box, its compact layout means it can be supplied to global customers of smart labels. The cleanroom system is self-supporting, with removable walling for flexible access. It also holds the country’s first overhead robot rail system.

Mark Davey, Founder and Director of Northern Engineering Solutions, said: “It has been an incredible year of growth, and we are proud to spearhead innovative engineering projects that will benefit the UK economy and preserve our planet for future generations.

“None of this would have been possible without the dedication, skill and perseverance of our talented workforce. They always go the extra mile for our clients, which is reflected in the feedback that we receive. We will continue investing in their professional development, which is critical to the business’s long-term success. This year alone, our team has benefitted from training in areas such as AutoCAD and IEC software, pipefitting, and pipe welding.”

Northern Engineering Solutions has invested in a number of new technologies to support its growth. This includes purchasing an A0 plotter and scanner and state-of-the-art conferencing equipment to facilitate remote meetings with current and prospective clients. 3D virtual flythroughs and Virtual Reality have also been integrated internally to enhance the design process.