The 107-year old company recently completed the fabrication of a key section of the Wave Hub system.
Francis Brown Ltd, the North East fabrication and engineering specialist, has secured two major new projects as it continues to expand across the energy sectors.
The Stockton-based company 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 Ltd, 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 Ltd in the renewable industry sector.
The 107-year old company recently 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 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 Ltd, said: “The two diverse contracts with SMD demonstrate where we are now positioned in the supply chain delivering services to both oil & 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 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.”
Andrew Hodgson, Chief Executive of SMD, said: “We are keen to work with suppliers who have a decent understanding of the expanding markets we operate in. The skills and service provided by Francis Brown Ltd meets those exceptionally high standards and they form a very strong link in our supply chain.”
Joanne Leng, Director Business Development at NOF Energy, said: “Supply chain companies such as Francis Brown are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of expanding into different areas of the energy market.
“NOF Energy works closely with its members to ensure they have the market knowledge and necessary contacts to build a stronger presence in emerging as well as traditional energy sectors.”
ENDS
CONTACT: Jamie Collis on 01325 363436
Photo caption: Jamie Brown inspects the development of the launch and recovery systems at Francis Brown Ltd
About NOF Energy
www.nofenergy.co.uk
NOF Energy provides business support services for the oil, gas, nuclear and offshore wind sectors. It has in excess of 350 members across the UK with clusters of members in North East England and North East Scotland.
NOF Energy works to promote UK suppliers to the global energy market, through comprehensive business support services for its members
In addition to identifying new opportunities and facilitating cooperation between businesses, NOF Energy also acts as a gateway to the UK supply chain for international companies, who can benefit from the high quality products and services available from the UK.
NOF Energy is based in Durham City, North East England from where it delivers a national and international service.
NOF Energy is part of Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly-funded business support designed to help companies start and grow.
The Government streamlined thousands of publicly-funded business support products, into the readily identifiable Solutions for Business package. They have also been made easier to find by turning Business Link in the primary access point.
Solutions for Business will help business meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
By targeting public money at real business issues, it will help companies create sustainable success.
Products in the portfolio will help businesses with common problems such as accessing finance, innovation, skills, exporting and resource efficiency.
The Solutions for Business portfolio will be reviewed regularly to make sure it is delivering for business, and will be added to and replaced as necessary.
Research estimates that the better targeted assistance will add up to £1.4bn per year of value for businesses.