A MARINE engineering firm is to more than double in size just two years after launching a permanent office in the region.
Boldon-based Houlder, formerly home to six draughtsmen has expanded floor space to make room for six more staff, including engineers, designers and project managers.
This is part of a company-wide expansion that has seen the maritime engineering and design company’s head count reach over 100.
Newly appointed project director Mike Burkett said: “Houlder is designing, fabricating and installing equipment for the offshore oil and gas and renewable energy industries.
“Our new, larger and better equipped offices mean we’re ideally placed to both serve local clients and work with local shipyards and fabrication facilities.”
Houlder is a UK employee-owned business and delivers its engineering expertise from offices in London, Aberdeen, Portsmouth and Tyneside and its client base takes in the marine, defence, oil and gas and renewable energy markets.
Coun Michael Clare, who is responsible for regeneration and economy at South Tyneside Council, said: “This is not only great news for Houlder but also for the South Tyneside business community.
“Progressive business cases are a positive boost for South Tyneside, as it represents how the borough is moving in the right direction and in turn enhancing the local economy.”
North East projects being supported by Houlder include a bespoke skidding system which transfers 200 tonnes of cable a distance of 10m along a ship’s deck during offshore pipe laying operations and an innovative pair of gripper arms that support the installation of offshore wind turbines by keeping foundation piles in place as they are driven into the seabed.
