Mech-Tool shows its ‘can-do’ ability (From The Northern Echo)

Mech-Tool shows its ‘can-do’ ability

9:09am Thursday 3rd December 2009 in

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A CAN-DO attitude by a North-East engineering firm saw it significantly increase the value of a £1m contract.

Mech-Tool Engineering Limited, based in Whessoe Road, Darlington, was contracted by MAN Turbo to design and manufacture noise-reducing acoustic enclosures for four huge oil rig compressor units.

The stainless steel acoustic enclosures, capable of noise reductions of up to 45 decibels, were shipped ready for installation from Teesside directly to BP’s North Sea platforms, in Norway’s Valhall Oil Field.

The compressors and enclosures were to have been fitted together in Norway, but Mech- Tool’s role on the project – initially only for the design and manufacture of enclosures and associated ventilation and gas detection systems – was expanded after difficulties elsewhere in the supply chain threatened to hamper the project.

The extra work was carried out at Mech-Tool’s fabrication centre on the River Tees.

Frank Vout, divisional director of Mech-Tool’s acoustic products division, said the additional fit-out and testing work increased the value of the contract to Mech- Tool, initially worth about £1m, by more than 30 per cent.

He said: “It enabled us to demonstrate our project management expertise, but it also provided a showcase for the deep-water quayside and fabrication facilities at the North Sea Supply Base, on the River Tees, and the logistical strengths of Teesside as a location for major engineering projects.

“Perhaps best of all, it was a perfect example of the ‘can-do’ attitude that has earned North-East workers admirers around the world and which has been so vital to this company’s recent success.”

Mech-Tool, which specialises in explosion, fire and noise protection systems, is involved in a number of projects for the BP Valhall oil field.

The acoustic division is on course to contribute a third of Mech-Tool’s projected turnover in 2009-10 of between £21m and £24m.