Projects boost for Stockton supply chain firm
A TEESSIDE fabrication and engineering specialist has secured two major projects as it continues to expand across the energy sector.
Francis Brown, based in Stockton, has signed an agreement with SMD to build 20 subsea vehicle launch and recovery systems for a project in South America.
The contract is part of a project being undertaken by SMD to deliver 20 subsea ROV vehicles for Subsea 7, working with Brazilian national energy company Petrobras.
Francis Brown, which employs 60 people, is also undertaking a specialist refurbishment programme of a 105 tonne boiler from Lucite in Billingham. These new contracts come on the back of two very high-profile projects for Francis Brown in the renewable industry sector.
The 107-year old company recently completed the fabrication of a key section of the Wave Hub system - a giant sea “socket” off the coast of Cornwall - which has been built and installed by Hartlepool’s JDR Cables and CTC Marine of Darlington.
In addition, the company recently undertook a major fabrication project, also for SMD, as part of the construction of the Atlantis Tidal Turbine, which is part of a major renewable energy test project in the North Sea.
Jamie Brown, managing director of Francis Brown, said: “The two diverse contracts with SMD demonstrate where we are now positioned in the supply chain delivering services to both oil and gas and renewable energy projects.
“Throughout our history we have diversified our services to meet the challenges of industry, which we are continuing to do 100 years later.
“This is an exciting time for the energy sector and it’s important that supply chain companies like Francis Brown can serve a cross-section of the market.
“The growth in renewable energy will provide this business with important opportunities as our key skills and experiences are transferable across the sectors.”
