Company Report: Mech-Tool Engineering ltd
Engineered solutions for a safer world A provider of a range of engineering solutions, Mech Tool Engineering Limited continues to design, manufacture and install innovative solutions to the engineering construction industry

Based in the North East of England, Mech-Tool Engineering Limited specialises in the design, manufacture, project management and installation of a variety of engineering solutions. These include cladding systems, explosion/pressure relief systems, equipment modules and enclosures that protect personnel and equipment from the environmental hazards of fire, thermal radiation, explosion and noise.

"Established in 1969, Mech-Tool was at the innovative forefront in the industry boom in the early 1970's. You didn't really have to look for work, the work pretty much came to us," explains Commercial Director, Frank Vout.

After a period of stagnation, Mech-Tool has regained its position in the market and the future looks bright for the company. "It's only in the last couple of years, with major changes in management, attitude, cultures, co-operations and outlook, that we started to diversify the range of products and services significantly," explains Vout.

NEW DIRECTION
Recently, Mech-Tool has taken a new direction and around two years ago set about educating the industry as to the diverse services and products the company provides. "The key issue now is to gain greater exposure and identify who the movers and shakers are within the industry and where these people are operating," says Vout.
As a result, Mech-Tool has joined a number of organisations, which include the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), the Fire and Blast Information Group (FABIG), TWI Ltd, the Nuclear Institute (NI), Nuclear Industries Association (NIA), NOF Energy and the Energy Industries Council (EIC). It is also registered with Achilles Joint Qualification System Supplier No. 20917 and with First Point Assessment Supplier No. 10040137.

"In addition, Mech-Tool holds ISO 9001:2000 and Investors in People accreditations, as well as other regulatory certificates assuring excellence and commitment throughout the company," says Vout.

APTITUDE
One thing Mech-Tool is proud of is that, for the size and type of the company, it employs a larger than average proportion of graduates extending to doctorate level. "We're quite fortunate in that we've been able to attract these qualified people, sustain these personnel, and develop people from within, which is a very important feature" explains Business Development Manager, Phil Dunn. "We do invest in our people inwardly and we have examples of employees who have started here as an apprentice and moved onto various disciplines, whether that's engineering, or project management."

According to Dunn, Mech-Tool truly believes in giving its employees every encouragement to extend their skills and bring their own people through the ranks. "No opportunities are directed externally before we advertise internally," he assures.

NUCLEAR
Mech-Tool's medium long-term strategy sees the company sustaining its current product/service base, although there is one identified development that it will move towards, this being Nuclear. "We see the nuclear sector as being a development area we are keen to support and are now extending our in-house skills and capabilities to ensure that we are ahead of the game," explains Vout. "Therefore preparing ourselves for that moment at which we would be involved, as we will already have the goods, personnel, equipment and attitude to successfully manage these projects."

Dunn too recognises this fact. "We also understand the importance to recognise what is likely to be the biggest growth sector in the future. Currently there are plans to build six to 12 nuclear stations in the UK alone, and failure to move into this nuclear sector by any government will result in potential brown outs.

"In two years time the government will grant planning application for four new nuclear power stations and from the granting of this application it will take a further five to seven years for these units to become operational. In 2013/14 there will be a major increase in construction work within the UK and many companies are positioning themselves now to be able to secure these major contracts," he says.

One notable step forward Mech-Tool has already taken was to sign an agreement with a key influential American company, Transco Products Inc., to manufacture its nuclear products under license for the UK and European nuclear industry. In addition, Transco Products Inc. will promote and sell Mech-Tool's products into the American market, which opens new opportunities for the company.

DEDICATION
Having been with the company for sixteen months, one of the things Dunn is encouraged by is that Mech-Tool employees have a very high morale. "People want to work in the company and are very enthusiastic. One of the key things for me is the dedication and commitment we've seen from the longer serving people, as well as the new," says Dunn.

Mech-Tool regularly has strategy groups where a cross-section of employees will go to a remote location and carry out a strategy session to look at the next two or three years of company development. "This gives a cross-section equal opportunity to express opinions and desires about how they think Mech-Tool should move forward and in what best possible manner," says Dunn.

"I believe it is essential we have a full understanding of what our client's drivers are, not what we perceive them to be, so we can tailor our solutions to their problems, appreciating what they're about," adds Vout. "Delivery, quality, integrity, safety are expected givens in modern industry and the manufacturing world. The only thing that isn't, is profit; that's down to us to be more efficient, have greater flexibility, and ultimately be one step ahead of our competition."

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