The Port has welcomed another major engineering group to its offshore energy support base as the Reece Group’s Responsive Engineering have set up a new fabrication facility at the Port to cater for the growing offshore energy sector.
A new division at Responsive Engineering called Rapid Manufacturing Services, which will focus on the mobilisation and demobilisation of offshore vessels from the new workshop.
The Port of Blyth has been investing heavily to make its facility more attractive to those in the North East’s subsea sector. Major investment is currently taking place on several sites around the estuary.
It is hoped one of those will create hundreds of jobs at the former Blyth Power Station site, as part of a £25m Energy Central initiative in partnership with Northumberland County Council.
On the arrival of Responsive Engineering, Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive at Port of Blyth, said: “We are delighted to welcome a company of the calibre of Responsive Engineering to the Port of Blyth and look forward to a successful long-term relationship.
“The addition of Rapid Manufacturing Services’ machining and specialist fabrication capability to the port’s extensive supply chain further strengthens Blyth’s position as one of the UK’s leading offshore energy project and manufacturing support bases.
“It represents an excellent strategic fit for the port and reflects our ambitions moving forward as we prepare for significant growth in the offshore renewables, oil & gas and decommissioning sectors.”
Reece Group Executive Chairman John Reece said: “Port of Blyth is one of the UK’s fastest growing ports with a reputation for innovation and excellence.
“We are looking forward to playing a part in its continued expansion as its ambitious plans aim to create jobs and prosperity for the regional economy.”
The new division will be led by Responsive Engineering Director Graeme Campbell.
He said: “The launch of Rapid Manufacturing Services is an exciting next step for Responsive. Our base here in the Port of Blyth enables us to provide a faster, more bespoke response to our customers’ needs, supported by the facilities and skilled workforce in the Armstrong Works.
“We can now offer an integrated supply chain solution for large, high-value sub-assemblies such as subsea wind turbine jackets, as well as supporting the port operator’s tactical operational requirements.
“We also hope to develop closer strategic relationships with our customers already located here and greater collaboration with the increasing number of engineering companies at the port.
“The team has a wealth of experience in the energy sector, having worked for Responsive on major national contracts and they are eager to get involved with the innovative engineering taking place in this growing offshore energy hub. We aim to quickly grow our order book and generate new roles in a number of specialised areas.”
