Engineers aim for £42m turnover

Jan 9 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

FOLLOWING a highly-successful 2008 a specialist engineering firm is forecasting further rapid growth which it expects to boost turnover to £42m in four years.

ContiTech Beattie, of Ashington, has already increased turnover by 75% over the last four years to around £28m in 2008, while doubling operating profits.

The company, which began trading over 25 years ago, manufactures flexible hoses, couplings and fluid transfer systems to the international oil and gas industry.

It employs 94 people and expects to add a further 16 staff to the workforce in the next few years.

Managing Director Andrew Esson said: “We have taken advantage of the growth of the oil and gas sector, but have employed robust business methods and investment in skills to ensure we remain a viable and important part of the supply chain.

“This has enabled a 75% increase in turnover in a four-year period with operating profits doubling.

“We are now developing our business strategy through to 2012, which will target a turnover of £42m by further overseas sales growth, developing internal processes and developing new products and services.” The company’s success was recognised at last year’s Northumberland Business Awards when it won the export award and large business of the year award.

Mr Esson added: “We have achieved growth in all the main business areas. We have seen growth in the UK and in our export markets.

“Export accounts for around 75% of our turnover. It used to be around 60% export.

“We improved our sales capability and have developed our overseas representatives who have been provided with technical and sales support.

“Our sales used to be reactive, we would wait for inquiries.

“We have become more outward-looking and are going out into the marketplace.”