Newcastle upon Tyne-based Responsive Engineering, which provides a ‘one-stop shop’ for a range of services from welding and engineering to machining and fabrication, credits Leicester-based Westermans International (www.westermans.com) as central to its success.

The latter has developed a reputation for the sourcing and supply of refurbished welding and ancillary equipment, which enables its customers to access advanced technology at a fraction of the cost of new plant.

From positioning and cutting equipment to power sources and fume extraction, the company maintains a stockholding of around 400 units, all of which have been acquired through its links with engineering companies world-wide.

Responsive Engineering has customers in many industry sectors, including oil and gas, defence, aerospace, power generation and sub-sea engineering.

It works with materials including steels, aluminium and super-alloys, meeting a long list of national and international standards within an integrated management system.

Ken Simpson, Responsive’s senior welding engineer, said: “This diversity means that we have to supply tailored solutions to specific customer needs, so the ability to demonstrate alternative applications is fundamental.

"Because Westermans can supply a vast range of equipment, we can meet this need very cost-effectively — and all with the benefit of the company’s on-going service, not least its comprehensive awareness of welding systems.”

Claire Spillane, Westermans’ company secretary, said: “Responsive Engineering is an excellent example of a company that is benefitting from our approach and track record, particularly as its need to highlight a range of welding technology and techniques to customers is paramount.”

Recent installations supplied by Westermans include a Bode column-and-boom manipulator with an ESAB submerged arc welding system and a Lincoln STT MIG welder.