Firm is standing the test of time
Nov 11 2009 By The Journal
THE fitting of the new clock outside Express Engineering’s Kingsway site is a clear indication of a business which has stood the test of time.
While the Valley has seen other names come and go, this operation has stood firm.
A private limited company manufacturing small batch, precision components, sub-assembly and completely assembled products, Express Engineering has earned a reputation for reliability and quality and developed a customer base including many multi-national blue chip companies.
The recent expansion of the factory and establishment of a joint venture in Brazil, to take advantage of the burgeoning oil and gas exploration markets off South America, show a company still on the up after 36 years in business.
Founded in 1973 by Keith Thompson with just five staff, Express Engineering employed 25 when control passed to his son Chris in 1982. Rapid progress continued, despite challenging economic times and in 1986 the company became one of the first sub-contract machining operations in the UK to achieve BS5750 accreditation.
In 1988 Prince Charles officially opened the current premises – a purpose-built factory – and Express became the smallest company ever to win the prestigious British Quality Award. Again in the vanguard, the company became only the second in the North to achieve Investors in People accreditation in 1994.
In 2005-6 there was a huge step forward with a £1m plus investment in additional capacity and capability including weld cladding and assembly and test facilities – supported by SFI grant funding from One North East (ONE).
More recently, again with ONE support, another expansion drive added 17,000 square feet of factory space (a 43% increase) and a further £1m worth of new machinery, to increase capacity and capability.
The apprenticeship programme has expanded and is blossoming with several senior staff having started working life as trainees. And like the koi carp in the reception area pool – which have become a real talking point with visitors – Express Engineering anticipates and looks forward to further significant growth as the world economy emerges from recession.
