Welding and coating specialists CRC Evans has opened a mammoth 90,000 sq ft facility in Burnley, as it looks to expand its production across Europe and beyond.
The Centre of Excellence will position itself in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America (EMEAA) region as a “central platform within the CRC Evans international operating model.”
CRC Evans is looking to consolidate its operations across the traditional oil and gas sector, while expanding services across nuclear and renewables – alongside the defence and aerospace sector.
The new site will also provide a headquarters for CRC Evans’ critical infrastructure business stream.
By consolidating advanced manufacturing and engineering within a “single purpose-built environment”, the facility looks to create a “scalable platform to deliver across both legacy and emerging energy and infrastructure sectors,” according to CRC Evans chief executive Mauro Piasere.
The site is split into quadrants that handle different aspects of the welding, coating and engineering processes and has incorporated contamination-controlled workflows.
“This investment marks a decisive step in delivering our global growth strategy. Building on this momentum, our new Burnley site doubles our operational footprint, strengthens our leadership in specialty welding and coating”, Piasere added.
Apprentices a ‘core part’ of investment drive
While operating globally, Burnley has been part of CRC Evans since 1988. It is also looking to bring its apprenticeship mission to the forefront of operations, too.
Hiring just shy of 20 apprentices at the Centre of Excellence, as Piasere told Energy Voice the company is looking to provide “fertile ground for local young people to stay in the region they were brought up.”
“There needs to be a symbiosis between the company’s growth and the territory where the company is nested.”
For Piasere, CRC Evans is responsible for upholding its end of the bargain, but investment from the council and combined authority is also essential.
“The territory has to provide people the kind of environment where they can spend time with their families, enjoy their social lives.”
As CRC Evans eyes up its employment drive, it will continue to tap into the hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), offshore and onshore wind sectors while serving its traditional gas sectors.
Floyd March is North of England correspondent at Energy Voice. His specialisms include hydrogen, nuclear, and CCS – all with a close eye on how the UK is navigating the energy transition.
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