A group of experienced engineers have capitalised on redundancy to launch a high-end manufacturing business.
The new Washington-based firm, Triotec, was recently born out of 70 years of combined experience from its directors: Andrew Calvert, Gary Marshall and David Downes after their time at a North East manufacturing firm came to an end.
Spotting a shortage in the market for skilled machinists, they sought start-up advice from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland and were supported through the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), a national government initiative.
Now relying on their extensive list of contacts, the trio are using computer numerical control (CNC) machinery to produce precision products such as valves, shafts and other assembly parts mainly for the oil and gas industry, as well as the power generation and automation sectors.
Speaking on launching the firm, Mr Calvert explained: “We could launch Triotec due to our experience and the trust we’ve built up with our connections over the years, and we’ve got the passion for it.
“So we were delighted to work with BIC Business Adviser, Ron Anderson, who gave us the confidence we needed to start-up – he helped us with important matters like insurances as well as cash flow and record keeping.
“And the launch of the business is timely – we feel there is a current skills gap, as a trio we are very experienced in machining very difficult materials using modern CNC machinery to suit customers specific needs.
“The work has become more specialist and there’s currently a good market; Britain is now the eighth biggest manufacturing nation, according to The Manufacturers’ Organisation (EEF) and Santander.”
With an influx of clients from across the country, Triotec already have ambitious plans to expand by moving into larger premises as well as recruit skilled machinists, administrative support and potentially an apprentice.
Mr Calvert says the firm are also looking to invest in the latest innovations in machinery to become one of the most attractive manufacturing firms in the country.
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