A STOCKTON engineering company has set a new standard in the rising energy market.

Francis Brown has become one of the only fabricators serving the energy sectors to achieve ISO 3834, a quality assurance for welding capabilities.

More commonly used in the building sector, the accreditation is expected to become a supply chain requirement from major oil and gas and chemical contractors.

The company is targeting growth of around 70% on its current turnover of £5m within the next three to five years and will target increased national and international business opportunities, particularly in Aberdeen where the company has recently secured contracts that have been part of projects for companies including Technip, Expro and Subsea 7.

The 107-year-old company, which employs 60 people, is becoming a prominent supplier to the energy market, most recently in the renewables sector.

Its team completed the fabrication of a key section of the Wave Hub system, which has been manufactured by Hartlepool-based JDR Cables.

In addition, the company undertook a major fabrication project for Wallsend-based SMD’s construction of the Atlantis Tidal Turbine, which is part of a major renewable energy test project in the North Sea.

Managing director Jamie Brown said: “We have carved a strong niche for delivering high calibre fabrication services to the energy sectors and this accreditation will help improve our position in the market.

“Improving standards of manufacturing and safety are becoming increasingly vital to contractors and they need to rely on suppliers that can deliver products and services that meet rising quality thresholds.

“It is important for the supply chain to drive up standards, which will improve the reputation of suppliers among contractors and increase new business opportunities.”