Steve Hartley, WEC Group’s managing director and Steve Fitzpatrick, CEO of WEC Machining break ground on the new facility

Lancashire-based WEC Group, a leading force in the UK’s sub-contract manufacturing sector, has begun the construction of a new ‘state of the art’ 60,000ft² 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 a leading sub-contract manufacturing business in the UK. The new division, is set to become one of the largest sub-contract 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.

Steve Fitzpatrick, CEO of WEC Machining, said: “This £10 million investment underscores our ongoing commitment to add value to our customers’ supply chains and this consolidates our position as a leading UK sub-contract manufacturing company. 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 20m in length and 5m in diameter, significantly expanding the Group’s existing capabilities, which includes three large Correa Axia travelling column milling machines and a large Asquith Butler travelling column milling machine already in place within the Group’s existing Blackburn and Darwen facilities.

Mr Fitzpatrick added: “The scale and precision of our new equipment are set to transform the sub-contracting landscape, offering unparalleled services in the UK.”

Steve Hartley, WEC Group managing director, said: “This expansion is a pivotal part of our strategy to maintain and extend our leadership in the sub-contract 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.”

The new facility is expected to create around 60 new jobs, including 10 additional machining apprentices, further supporting the local community and strengthening the skilled workforce trained at WEC’s Apprentice Academy.