WEC Group has started construction on a new state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq ft heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility in Walker Park, Blackburn.

This new development marks a significant milestone in the Group's ongoing expansion strategy and cements its position as the premier subcontract manufacturing business in the UK.

The new division, is set to become one of the largest subcontract machining facilities in Europe. Located adjacent to the company's existing WEC Machining facility as well as the Group’s recently inaugurated Apprentice Academy, this new purpose-built development will support the UK's industrial capabilities in key sectors such as nuclear, defence, offshore, and general engineering.

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"Our £10 million investment in WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication underscores our ongoing commitment to adding value to our customers’ supply chains and this consolidates our position in the UK’s number 1 subcontract manufacturing company," said Steve Fitzpatrick, CEO of Machining at WEC Group. "With this new facility, we are not only expanding our capacity but also enhancing our overall ability to deliver turnkey solutions for large and oversized projects."

The facility will be equipped with six large CNC machining centres, capable of handling components up to 20 meters in length and five meters in diameter, significantly expanding the Group’s existing capabilities, which already include 3 large Correa Axias and an Asquith Butler travelling column large milling machines already in place within the group’s existing Blackburn and Darwen facilities.

Steve Hartley, Group Managing Director, commented during the groundbreaking ceremony, "This expansion is a pivotal part of our strategy to maintain and extend our leadership in the subcontract manufacturing industry. We are proud to invest in not only our company's future but also in the economic growth of Blackburn and the wider region."