News Article

A North East firm is expanding its facilities to create the country’s largest radiation-based product testing unit with support from One North East.

Washington-based Argos Inspection Company Ltd specialises in providing non destructive testing (NDT) services to engineering firms in the Offshore, Ministry of Defence, Oil and Gas, Aerospace, Automotive and Nuclear industries.

NDT is seen as a valuable inspection method which uses x-rays and ultrasonic detection techniques to check manufactured and fabricated products for defects, faults and damages that could prove costly if found out at a later date.

Established in 1980, the company is extending the exposure bay at its headquarters at Glover Industrial Estate supported by a £50,000 Grant for Business Investment from One North East, which will enable the company to increase its client base by providing the largest high tech radiation exposure facility in the country.

Managing Director, Peter Bauckham, said: “The extension to our existing laboratory facility is crucial to the company’s future, as it will enable us to bolster our client base by bringing work into the company which would normally have to be sent elsewhere. 

“Our existing clients will also benefit with a much more improved turn around time due to the new facility. The exposure bay, with its four metre high, one metre thick concrete walls and lead lined roof will also include state-of-the-art automated lead doors, handling equipment and the latest x-ray technology.”

The cash will also create four new technician roles for its laboratory facilities – a welcome addition to the workforce which at its peak can top 70 staff.

Ken Samson, Business Finance Manager at One North East, said: “One North East is pleased to support Argos Inspection Company in the expansion of its state-of-the-art facility and support the creation of new skilled jobs. This new bay will underpin ongoing operations which will help secure a bright future for the company.”

The Grant for Business Investment is part of Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly funded support products offering help to companies to start, grow and succeed. Solutions for Business makes it easier for companies to get the advice and assistance that they need.

For further information on the full package of support, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or Tel: 0845 600 9006.

The Grant for Business Investment (GBI) initiative delivered by One North East is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13.
 
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For further information on this release contact Andy Aston, PR Technical Advisor at One North East, on Tel: 0191 229 6894 or andy.aston@onenortheast.co.uk