DARLINGTON engineering firm Mech-Tool has turned to Teesside University for help to streamline business processes.

The Darlington firm fabricates modules for the offshore and renewables markets, as well as offering solutions for clients to protect people and equipment from explosion, fire and noise hazards.

After increasing its services for customers and expanding its workforce, Mech-Tool wanted consultancy support to review the way it operated.

It called on Teesside University’s industry support unit, Teesside Manufacturing Centre (TMC), to look at strategies to move the business forward. TMC reviewed the firm’s business systems, highlighting key areas where the organisation would benefit.

TMC worked with the company to prioritise areas of improvement and identified the need for a system which could pull all information together relating to different functions of the organisation.

Kevin Harland, operations manager at Mech-Tool, said: “It was eye-opening when the report was carried out and we were able to get pointers which would benefit us as an organisation.”

The consultancy led Mech-Tool to embark on organisational change and redefine processes. It is now looking at systems to enhance the management of daily operations.

Ruben Pineda-Cuenca, of TMC, worked as project manager with Mech-Tool. He said: “They’re really pleased with the outcome. We have developed a close relationship and we are still working with them on other projects. Although collaboration through consultancy can be short, we look for long-term partnerships and relationships.”