| Reputation built on integrity |
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For nearly 90 years Steel Engineering has been a leader in its field, and for the last decade in particular its capability has been showcased in some of the engineering industry’s most demanding and high profile engineering projects. In recent years Steel Engineering’s considerable efforts and resources have been concentrated on providing the energy generating industries with highly bespoke steel fabrications and structures. The three main industries are oil and gas pipelay equipment, electricity (coal fired and nuclear power stations) and renewable energy (wave/tidal and marine wind farms). The company is incredibly diverse and its ability to cope with different specifications required from these different industries is highly commendable, though as Peter Breslin, Production Director, pointed out: “Whilst this presents a challenge, it has created a wealth of knowledge and experience.” The company continues to grow steadily, and Dave Maxwell (CEO) is pleased to note that “we have never actually marketed the company, we have no salesmen or advertising - our growth is derived from client retention which is unsurpassed in these industries, and by recommendation and reputation. “For myself and my co-directors, our reputation is of paramount importance and is built on integrity. On the basis that a competitive price and a high quality product are a given, where we really excel is that we are always on time. Our client feedback surveys repeatedly show us that the confidence and trust which our clients have, particularly on delivery, usually result in a contract award.” To illustrate this point David Maxwell pointed to a case study relating to a major contract to be delivered in Baku, Azerbaijain (see opposite page). Steel Engineering’s recent project portfolio is impressive, and includes fabrication, via Parkburn/Expro, for the world’s largest and most technologically advanced launch and recovery system, the AX-S, which operates in ocean depths in excess of three kilometres. Steel Engineering also recently completed fabrication for the P2 wave energy converter for Pelamis Wave Power. Works in progress include the installation of the new SCR (Selective catalytic reactor) for Ratcliffe Power Station. The SCR is designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions and as all major coal fired power stations will be installing it by 2016 Steel Engineering is optimistic of additional contract wins in this field. At present Steel Engineering is also completing final assembly of a full cable-lay carousel system, with a product weight of 7000 tonnes and a value of £40m for Sub-Ocean via Parkburn.
Superior craftsmanship
Steel Engineering has always placed high importance on its workforce and investment in its people. Peter Breslin confirmed: “We attract and retain the best craftsmen around simply by creating a safety conscious and healthy working environment. Our pay rates are higher than average and we provide long term steady employment, with nominal overtime. When you have a motivated and efficient workforce in a safe environment you achieve good quality work, and good production levels. The positive consequence of this helps us to achieve competitive tenders and meet deadlines.” On the issue of apprentices Peter Breslin said: “Unlike some other companies, for the past 20 years we have maintained a vibrant apprenticeship scheme. Our off and on the job training is the old fashioned method - one tradesman to one apprentice. All of our apprentices attend This commitment to skills development ensures that Steel Engineering can offer the highest level of service to its customers, he added: “Steel Engineering assists in design/development stages with clients to ensure that the complexity of the design can be fabricated; this is often referred to as the ‘value engineering process’ and we use our considerable fabrication experience to ensure the best value for clients.”
Case study:
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