News Article

A Northumberland-based manufacturer is creating up to 45 new jobs to meet growing global customer demand for its quality components.

Osborne Engineering Limited (OEL), which currently employs more than 125 staff, is bolstering its workforce to meet an increasing demand for its quality bespoke bearings and gas turbine components from clients in the oil and gas, wind power and power generation industries.

As part of growth plans, the company will extend its existing facility at North Nelson Industrial Estate in Cramlington and increase its CNC machining and manufacturing capabilities. 

This expansion project is supported by a £350,000 Grant for Business Investment (GBI) from One North East which will also assist in the creation of the new roles including CNC machinists, design engineers and inspection and support staff.

Shukri Benfaied, OEL Managing Director, said “This is a continuation of our investment and growth programme which began in 2004 and saw the workforce increase from 40 to more than 120 staff.  This growth is driven by product development and penetration of export markets in Europe, Japan and India.

“Through an investment of over £2m in building and machinery and the recruitment of an additional 45 staff, this will enable us to continue to drive our export growth. We are grateful for the continued support of One North East in this important and vital project in the growth of OEL.”

Extending the premises will also prevent valuable work from being lost to competitors in Europe and free up more space to bolster other services including a design and engineering department, dedicated repair cell and state-of-the-art training facility.

Ian Williams, One North East Director of Business and Industry, said: “The oil and gas and wind power industries are important growth sectors for the North East economy, and One North East is pleased to support innovative firms such as Osborne Engineering in their bid to harness these opportunities and support their own development.

“Through the Grant for Business Investment we can look to help firms such as Osborne Engineering gain valuable access to finance to help the company with its future plans for export growth.”

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 more information, contact Bryn Littleton (press office) on 0191 2296713 or 07717 468918 or by emailing bryn.littleton@onenortheast.co.uk

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