Sci-fi fantasy becomes reality for Gateshead metal firm

Sep 30 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A METAL coatings company is entering the world of science fiction after putting the finishing touches to some movie monsters for an art exhibition.

AMD Specialist Coatings, of Gateshead, has been working with Metallic Creations, also of Gateshead, which supplied it with a number of weird and wonderful sculptures made out of scrap metal, including The Predator and King Kong.

With AMD specialising in industrial coatings, the sculptures represent the most unusual contract it has been involved with since setting up in 2000 and it is now keen to attract similar work in the future.

The firm is also looking to build a presence in the oil and gas sector industry by installing a shot-blasting facility at its site on the Team Valley Trading Estate and securing ISO9001 certification, which allows it to operate in the sector.

Managing director Steve Davis hopes to grow the business from sales of £700,000 to £1m by next year and then to £1.5m the year after, as well as add five jobs to its 14-strong workforce by putting on a second shift.

He is keen to see the unusual sculptures at the upcoming Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair, which takes place at the Sage Gateshead from October 1-4. Metallic Creations was set up in April by engineer Tony Arnsby after he came across the pieces last year, which are produced by two artists who wish to remain anonymous.

Mr Arnsby hopes to sell the creations, which cost around £1,000 to make, around the world as well as lease them out at a number of star-studded events.

Mr Davis said: “These sculptures are absolutely amazing to look at and should be a big hit at the Art Fair. They are by far the most unusual things we have worked on, but it just illustrates the range of surfaces we can handle.”