A leading North-East provider of fabrications and engineering has recorded one of its most successful years to date hitting an employee milestone of 100 staff and forecasting a 30% growth in turnover.
Stockton based Francis Brown Limited specialises in the design, fabrication, welding, machining, assembly and installation of engineering solutions to industries including oil and gas, chemical, renewable energy, nuclear and rail. The company – now in its fourth generation of family leadership since its foundation in 1903 – provides a range of skills and expertise to these industry sectors through a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce which this year has hit the landmark figure of 100.
Based on Hill Street East in Stockton, the Francis Brown team comprises a pool of highly skilled tradesmen including platers, welders, fitters, machinists and engineers who together have worked on some of the country’s and the world’s most prestigious projects. Most recently these have included projects on the Greater Gabbard Offshore Windfarm – the first offshore windfarm of its size, one of the UK’s biggest – located off the Suffolk coast, together with multiple fabrications for the Maersk Culzean Offshore Gas Condensate Field in the central North Sea.
As the business continues to invest in its workforce, including the training of six local apprentices and the retention of 10 staff with over 25 years’ service, it remains firmly committed to growing alongside its clients and continuing to secure repeat work based on its track record of successful project delivery.
With a projected increase in turnover of 30% forecast for its current financial year, it would seem this strategy for growth is proving successful.
Speaking about its successful year, Jamie Brown, CEO of the Francis Brown business said: “This year is demonstrating the many opportunities that lie ahead after what – for many – has been a challenging time in the oil and gas industry. For us, the success shows that we have remained strong in our core sectors, whilst extending our skill set into emerging markets where we know growth is taking place.
“Now that the green shoots of recovery are emerging in the oil and gas market, we are confident that our business will continue to build on this success, solidifying its position as a leader in the provision of fabrication and engineering solutions to this sector, at the same time as being recognised as a key provider to the vibrant offshore renewables, rail and nuclear industries.”
As leading fabricators, Francis Brown offers premium services including submerged arc welding and laser measuring – using FARO equipment – which enables high precision 3D measurements, visualization and comparison of parts and structures.
Established in 1903 Francis Brown Limited can offer a complete turnkey service to its clients right from design engineering through to full inspection and certification and has carved an impressive reputation in the global offshore and onshore oil and gas, renewables, chemical, nuclear, and rail sectors. The company operates from its head office in Stockton and has specialist manufacturing facilities located across two Teesside sites.