Dundee-based Pryme Group (ww.pyremgroup.co.uk), an integrated manufacturing specialist serving the oil and gas, aerospace and defence industries, has officially opened a 58,000ft² ‘state of the art’ Centre of Excellence on North Tyneside.

Staff have relocated from nearby Ryton to the newly created centre, which has been supported by both public- and private-sector organisations.

The group expects to more than double its current workforce at the site — from 70 to 150 — in the next five years, and it is currently recruiting new people, including CNC operators.

Pryme Group CEO Angus Gray said: “I’m excited about what the future holds for the business and the local area.

“While work is still continuing to allow the site to operate at full capacity, we’ve taken the decision to move staff into the new building slightly earlier than planned to meet demand.

"In the longer term, the Centre of Excellence will not only provide a boost to the group’s existing capabilities but also create enhanced opportunities for our clients operating in the UK and internationally.”

The new centre has been formed following the amalgamation of three separate Pryme Group companies — MKW Total Engineering, Stargate Precision Engineering and TME Hydraulics.

It will house best-in-class machinery alongside multiple complementary services to help the group’s customer base to bring innovative products to market.

The group recently signed new contracts with energy-sector clients for fabrication and machining services, worth more than £3.5 million, with all work to be carried out at the new facility.

Additionally, master service agreements have been agreed with two oil and gas businesses and a defence contractor.