North Tyneside-based Pryme Group (www.prymegroup.co.uk) is a relatively new name, but it is shaking up the UK’s market for contract manufacturing services.

Created in 2014 from a core of three engineering firms — GA Scotland, GA Sliding Head and GA North West — the group subsequently acquired Newcastle-based MKW Engineering, Stargate Precision Engineering and TME Hydraulics.

A year later, sub-sea specialist SengS joined the group, followed in 2018 by Hydratron — a supplier of high-pressure equipment.

While Pryme Group now offers a wide range of engineering services, from design and consultancy through to fabrication, testing and coating, its strength remains in CNC machining, with more than 140 machines at its disposal.

It now focuses on three core areas — oil and gas, defence and aerospace — with a ‘blue chip’ client base that includes BAE Systems, Schlumberger, Siemens and Rolls-Royce.

In 2017, work began on a new 58,000ft². manufacturing facility in North Tyneside that aimed to bring the three Newcastle acquisitions together under one roof.

This is now home to more than 20 CNC machines, and the group’s close relationship with Mazak is clear to those who visit the facility. In fact, the group recently acquired five new Mazak machines in order to enhance its machining capabilities.

Business development director Dave Graham said: “The Mazak machines were bought to extend our capabilities, specifically in heavy-duty machining.

"At this new site, we’re focused on a wide range of sectors, from marine and land systems for oil and gas through to energy and rail. The quality of the machines is a vital part of winning business in these sectors.”