WEC Group, a prominent figure in the UK’s subcontract manufacturing landscape, has commenced the construction of a cutting-edge heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility spanning 60,000 square feet in Walker Park, Blackburn.
This endeavor represents a pivotal juncture in the Group’s ongoing expansion endeavors, solidifying its stature as a premier subcontract manufacturing entity within the UK.
Positioned to become one of Europe’s largest subcontract machining hubs, the new division will be strategically located adjacent to the company’s existing WEC Machining facility and the recently inaugurated Apprentice Academy. This purpose-built establishment is poised to bolster the nation’s industrial capabilities across critical sectors such as nuclear, defense, offshore, and general engineering.
Steve Fitzpatrick, CEO of Machining at WEC Group, emphasized the significance of the £10 million investment in WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication, reaffirming the Group’s dedication to augmenting customer supply chains and reinforcing its position as the UK’s foremost subcontract manufacturing entity.
“The inauguration of this new facility not only amplifies our operational capacity but also elevates our proficiency in delivering comprehensive solutions for large-scale projects,” stated Fitzpatrick.
Equipped with six large CNC machining centers capable of handling components up to 20 meters in length and 5 meters in diameter, the facility represents a substantial expansion of the Group’s existing capabilities. This augmentation supplements the current inventory, which includes three large Correa Axias and an Asquith Butler traveling column large milling machines already operational within the group’s Blackburn and Darwen facilities.
“The scale and precision of our new equipment are poised to revolutionize the subcontracting landscape, offering unmatched services within the UK,” Fitzpatrick added.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Steve Hartley, Group Managing Director, underscored the significance of this expansion as a strategic imperative to fortify and extend the Group’s leadership within the subcontract manufacturing domain. He expressed pride in the investment, not only for the company’s trajectory but also for fostering economic growth within Blackburn and the broader region.
The WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication facility is projected to generate 60 new employment opportunities, including the addition of 10 Machining apprentices. This initiative further underscores the Group’s commitment to the local community and reinforces the skilled workforce cultivated through WEC’s Apprentice Academy.