Build starts on £10m heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility

UK subcontract manufacturing company, WEC Group, has announced the start of construction on a new 60,000ft² 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 reinforces its position as a leading subcontract manufacturing business.

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 £10m 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, 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 machining centres, capable of handling components up to 20m in length and 5m in diameter, significantly expanding the group’s existing capabilities, which already include 3 large Correa Axias 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."

The 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
www.wecl.co.uk