Finley Structures have finished a £1.9m contract to fabricate and erect a 1,000-tonne steel frame which will form a wind turbine testing facility in Blyth.

We won the contract from Shepherd Construction after they secured a deal with the National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC), based in Northumberland, to build three new facilities to house test rigs for full-scale wind and marine prototype devices.

While working on the NAREC contract, Finley Structures also delivered a new 800-tonne shed for Sunderland-based Unipres, working for main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, as well as other major contracts in the North-East and Humberside.

John Finley (pictured outside the NAREC building in Blyth) said: “Working on two big contracts like this at the same time has been challenging, but we’ve handled that challenge head-on and without any problems, which is further testament to our superb workforce.

“We continue to go from strength-to-strength, winning major contracts and taking on staff, and huge jobs like this are becoming run-of-the-mill to us.”

Finley Structures, formed by Mr Finley in 2000, now has a turnover approaching £12m and regularly wins contracts from 50-tonne to 2000-tonne nationwide.

Shepherd project manager Neil Matthias said: “Finley’s delivered the NAREC project on time and within the set budget, while the management and staff adopted a can-do approach, providing a well-managed, safe working environment together with efficient technical support.”

Finley Structures has been recognised for its work in the community after showing hundreds of schoolchildren the process of steel fabrication.

Newton Aycliffe-based Finley’s has been awarded a Values Award by building corporation Carillion Plc for its community engagement.

Finley is one of Carillion’s major sub-contractors and fabricates their steel as well as erecting the frames for a lot of the 30-plus new-build schools Carillion have built in the North-East in the last few years.

Hundreds of youngsters have passed through Finley’s factory on Aycliffe Business Park to see how raw steel would form the core of their new building, before signing a steel plate which was welded in permanently and incorporated into the construction.

Carillion operations director David Kennedy, pictured handing a Values award to Finley Structures managing director John Finley and the company’s HR manager Pauline Hadwin, praised the family-run firm, saying: “More than 130 children have visited Finley Structures to see their schools being built and they make sure it’s a fantastic experience for the youngsters.

“We take the young people to see the steel being made and we’re also taking them to see the bricks being produced, so they get a real insight into how it all comes together, so when it’s completed they’ll feel they’ve been involved in it every step of the way.”

John Finley, managing director of the steel firm, added: “It’s a pleasure to see youngsters come to our factory to get an insight into the world of work as well as seeing their own new school being built almost from scratch.

“It’s always nice to involve young people wherever we can and it’s rewarding to see them come in and learn so much about our operations. Our door is always open.”

Carillion plc is one of the UK’s leading support services and construction companies and have recently worked on 22 schools in the North-East and six in Durham.

Local MP Phil Wilson has thrown his weight behind an exciting new apprenticeship enrichment programme involving all the major companies in Newton Aycliffe, including Finley Structures.

Firms including Finley’s, Tallents Engineering, Flymo Husqvarna, Aycliffe Fabrications, Palram, EBAC and Stiller Transport are joining forces to launch an Apprenticeship Awareness Programme, working with Aycliffe’s two secondary schools.

It will involve companies giving a brief demonstration to Year 9 students at both Woodham Academy and Greenfield Community College during a series of workshop carousels, dubbed “speed networking”, to give young people a flavour of the work they do.

The youngsters will then be split into groups during site visits to six different companies, when they’ll get to learn more about their chosen industry, from manufacturing to IT and HR.

The programme, funded through the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and in partnership with the town’s two secondary schools, is designed to get school-leavers interested in apprenticeships.

The project is being led by Woodham Academy with input from EDT, the largest provider of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics enrichment activities for young people in the UK, and supported by both Woodham and Greenfield schools.

Mr Wilson, the Labour MP for Sedgefield who successfully led the campaign to bring Hitachi Rail Europe’s Intercity Express Programme to Aycliffe, said: “I think it’s a fantastic idea and one I wholeheartedly support.

“Apprenticeships used to be the natural step for most people when leaving school, but there seems to be a stigma attached to apprenticeships in the construction and engineering industry – it’s normally associated with oil and grease – and there’s so much more to them than that.

“It’s important for some students to realise their full potential at college and university, but apprenticeships are an excellent career path for a lot of school leavers and can be the platform to a hugely-successful career.”

Sarah McGinnety, Assistant Headteacher at Woodham Academy, added: “We want to educate our students and their families in what following an apprenticeship route might bring to their future.

“For a lot of young people, college may be their chosen path, but this does at least give them a taster of industry – even if it isn’t for them, this programme will enlighten them and help them make an informed decision about their future.

“We’ll also involve parents and guardians in the programme, as it’s important that they also see what apprenticeships in these industries are all about.”

The Aycliffe Apprenticeship Awareness Programme will launch at Woodham on September 19, with around 150 students split into six tutor groups, and then young people will visit company sites week beginning September 24.

● Pictured in the Finley Structures boardroom above (left to right): Tallents operations director Dave Land, Finley Structures managing director John Finley, Phil Wilson MP, Xcel Centre manager Kerina Clark and Aycliffe Fabrications managing director Dave Spensley.

Finley Structures hope to regenerate a once thriving factory which has been left dilapidated for years.

The old Presswork Metals building on Aycliffe Business Park has fallen into a state of disrepair after being left to rot since the company closed four years ago.

Now neighbouring firm Finley’s is branching out to the letting business after purchasing the 70,000 sq ft factory.

Company boss John Finley saw the three-acre site as a prime location to refurbish the building, which has stood derelict for four years, and plans to sub-let a number of units back out to either the manufacturing or leisure industries.

The purchase comes as Mr Finley also plans to develop another three-acre piece of land on the same Business Park, which he plans to turn into 10 new-build units of varying sizes.

It’s a major development for Finley’s, formed in 2000 which now has a workforce of 50 and a sister company, SCH Site Services, with 35 staff.

Mr Finley said: “It’s been a long-held vision of mine to develop the group of companies into other industries, and both these sites offer prime locations for new leisure or manufacturing units.

“With the purchase of the SCH Site Services site and these new developments, it would take our main five-acre plot at Finley Structures to well over 10 acres all together, which is a significant investment, but one we’re confident will pay dividends in the long-run.”

Finley’s will consider all offers of development for the factory, including separating it into a number of smaller units for small businesses.

Any firms interested in letting the units can contact Finley Structures on 01325 328120.

SCH Site Services, a division of Finley Structures, has invested £450,000 on a new state-of-the-art crane.

The company, also based on Aycliffe Business Park in Newton Aycliffe, has received delivery of the new Terex Challenger 3160, manufactured and shipped from Germany, boasting the first of its kind operating in the UK.

Terex say the Challenger 3160 is the first 55-tonne crane to boast a 50-metre main boom, giving SCH Site Services a lead in the market.

SCH Site Services undertake structural and secondary steelwork packages inclusive of installation. They moved into new £500,000 premises in October 2011, creating 10 new jobs and boosting its workforce to 32.

Construction Manager Andy Braid said: “The Challenger is a significant investment for SCH Site Services and will enable us to be more versatile on site.

“It allows us to do a lot more in tighter spaces, and it has brilliant lifting capabilities, so we’re expecting to go to the higher market of work.

“The investment will pay off by enabling us to be more self-sufficient by increasing our portfolio of plant and equipment. The last purchase was a Tadano Faun ATF 65G-4 early 2011.

Terex field service engineer Ryan Gibbard familiarised SCH staff with the new challenger 3160.

He said: “It’s the first 55-tonne crane to have a 50-metre boom operating in the UK, so it should give SCH Site Services an advantage over their competitors.”

Foreman and driver of the new challenger Jeff Lawrence added: “I am excited to have been given the opportunity to be the designated operator of the new crane.

“I have found the new crane steadier and smoother to operate and the increased lifting capabilities far exceed my expectations.”

● Pictured is SCH Site Services construction manager Andy Braid (left) with Terex field service engineer Ryan Gibbard.

Finley Structures has won a £1.9m contract to fabricate and erect the steel frame for the wind turbines built in the region.

Shepherd Construction has secured a framework contract with the National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC), based in Northumberland, to build three new facilities to house test rigs for full scale wind and marine prototype devices.

NAREC won consent from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to construct and operate a 99.9MW offshore wind demonstration site at Blyth, comprising 15 turbines.

And County Durham-based Finley Structures have been contracted to work on 28 huge columns which will support the testing facility’s roof.

Managing director John Finley says the contract is further testament to the firm’s growing capabilities.

“Contracts like this are becoming run of the mill to us now,” said John, pictured with his son and daughter, Julie and Gary Finley, next to some of the steelwork which will form the 31-metre high columns as part of the construction.

“With a turnover now approaching £12m, we have recently increased our workforce to 49 and are winning contracts from 50-tonne to 2000-tonne nationwide.

“The company’s strength and position in the market is thanks to significant investments over the last two-to-three years and the dedication of the team who continue to strive in order to be the best in the business.

“We have had a good start to the year, partnering with Shepherd Construction on several new builds.”

Shepherd project manager Neil Matthias said: “Finley’s adopted a collaborative approach to the resolution of the technical difficulties that the project presented and are on programme to deliver the project on time and within the set budget.

“The on-site and off-site management and support teams provide a well managed, safe working environment together with technical support that are co-ordinated with great efficiency.

“As the site at NAREC is a challenging confined site which requires strategic co-ordination with other trades, and although still in its infancy, Finley’s have adopted a team can-do approach.”

John has just promoted his daughter Julie as Finley Structures joint-managing director, while son Gary has been promoted to joint-MD of Finley’s sister company, SCH Site Services.

A state-of-the-art recycling facility in Darlington is nearing completion.

The two-year wait for Total Recycling Services’ £1.3m waste transfer station is due to be finished and open for business in the summer.

Newton Aycliffe firm Finley Structures, contracted to erect the structural steelwork for the new facility, have almost completed their work on the site, next to Orange on Lingfield Way in Darlington.

And Total Recycling managing director Alex Foreman, pictured at the firm’s new plant, says it’s an exciting development for the firm.

The station will create six new full-time jobs, including a chemist to examine hazardous waste, taking the total number of employees to 36, and is expected to increase Total’s annual turnover by £1.2m to £6.3m a year.

“It’s a really exciting development which will be two years in the making by the time it’s finished,” said Mr Foreman.

“The new waste transfer station will be a state-of-the-art facility which will enhance our growing business and increase our reputation as one of the market leaders in recycling and waste management.”

Total Recycling was established in August 2009, born out of a desire to provide a one-stop-shop waste management services for companies throughout the UK.

Its team combines 25 years’ experience in both the hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal industries.

MD Mr Foreman has a wealth of experience in waste management, having previously been operations director and commercial director with another large North-East waste management company.

Total Recycling now boasts an experienced sales team fully trained in site audits, while waste requirements analysis are supported by an administration team. They also have a large team of waste management operatives working from our recycling depot and head office in Darlington.

Mr Foreman added: “Unlike many other waste management companies who tend to specialise in either hazardous or non-hazardous wastes, we have considerable experience in both having brought together directors, managers and key personnel from both industries.

“We therefore have an in depth understanding of the waste management industry as a whole. By combining this experience with expert knowledge of environmental best practice, we are able to provide a professional approach to waste management and recycling services.

“We assist our customers in applying the correct waste hierarchy of waste prevention, minimisation, reuse and recycling.

“As a service organisation we place particular emphasis upon customer requirements, producing cost-effective custom solutions based upon compliance and results.

“We strive to deliver more innovative cost effective solutions using our experience in service development by improving working processes and developing open relationships with our customers.”

SCH Site Services has moved into its new £500,000 premises in the region.

The firm, a division of Finley Structures, and has just moved into its new factory on Aycliffe Business Park.

The stand-alone firm works alongside Finley Structures, focusing on structural steel installation and secondary steelwork packages, as well as working for other external clients.

The new site, adjacent to the Finley site in Aycliffe, is a £500,000 investment which created 10 new jobs and boosted SCH’s workforce to 27.

Andy Braid, construction manager for SCH, said: “We have developed the secondary steel work side of our operations in recent months and this new site is a natural progression for SCH.

“It makes sense to segregate the secondary steel work into the new premises in order to maintain our specialised workforce in the separate areas of the business.

“Our range of secondary steelwork includes barriers, bollards, flooring, handrails, railings and staircases, while we also supply and install balustrades and canopies.”

● Pictured is SCH contract managers Andy Davies (left) and Steve Rowley with construction manager Andy Braid (centre).

A stunning new pier which will dominate the skyline of a North-East seaside resort is starting to take shape.

County Durham firm Finley Structures have completed the steel framework for the Vertical Pier, due to open later this year, as part of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s multi-million pound redevelopment programme.

More than £290m is being spent in the Borough to regenerate the area, while an estimated £4.5 billion of private investment is expected to create around 14,000 new jobs and 600 new businesses.

A total of £40m is being spent on Redcar seafront, including £30m on new sea defences and enhanced landscaping, and £8.3m on ‘The Hub’, a Creative Industries Centre on the site of the old Palace Theatre.

The new Vertical Pier, costing £1.8m, will stand at an amazing 80ft high and will provide spectacular views up and down the coast.

Construction firm Willmot Dixon Group sub-contracted the steel fabrication and installation work to Finley Structures, who have recently completed the job.

Construction manager for Finleys Andy Braid, pictured next to the pier, said: “It’s a pleasure to be working on an exciting project which will have such an obvious impact on Redcar seafront.

“It’s also further testament to our versatility and the diverse range of projects we’re capable of delivering to high standards.

“The artist’s drawings of the Vertical Pier look absolutely stunning and it promises to provide the focal point of what is a major regeneration programme in the town.”

The seafront’s new beacon will provide Redcar with a new icon. The ground floor will be used primarily as café space with indoor and outdoor seating areas. This will also be used as an exhibition space as well as providing the location for public toilet facilities.

A series of unique studios and workspaces that can be leased by the creative industries sector will be on the six levels above the ground floor.

Each level of the Vertical Pier will be accessible by lift or stairs and open to the public free of charge.

The building has been designed to create a dynamic experience on the journey to the top of the building, with views of local landmarks framed by the outer foils wrapped around the tower.

At roof level, with its open air viewing platform, there will be a panoramic view across the dramatic seascape and surrounding landscape.

The building will be open seven days a week between 9am and 10pm during peak season. There will be constantly changing exhibitions housed within the building.

The project is part funded by the NE ERDF competitiveness programme 2007-13.

A head teacher has added a specially-made Golden Bolt to his new £14.5m school, which is currently being built by Aycliffe firm Finley Structures.

George Harris says pupils at Dene Community School in Peterlee can’t wait for their new building to be opened in October 2012.

And on Monday this week, he added a Golden Bolt to part of the construction.

“We’re all very excited to see the new school beginning to take shape,” said Mr Harris.

“There’s still a long way to go yet, but it’s getting there gradually and we’re delighted that the site hasn’t interfered with our learning flow whatsoever.

“The only snag is that our teachers have had to draw their blinds to keep their pupils concentrated because they can’t take their eyes off it!”

Finley Structures and main contractors Carillion Building have been keen to involve the school in the construction as much as possible.

A couple of months ago they arranged for pupils to visit Finley’s factory on Aycliffe Industrial Park to see how raw steel will form the core of their new building. They also signed a steel plate with their initials, which was welded in permanently and incorporated into the construction.

Finley’s managing director John Finley said: “We’ve had youngsters from Dene School visit us and they hopefully learned a lot about how the raw steel comes to us, is fabricated and then erected.

“It’s always nice to involve the young people wherever we can and it’s rewarding to see them come in and learn about our operations.

“On this occasion, they took a great interest and asked lots of questions which is great to see!”

Carillion’s community liaison manager Jane Braybrook added: “It’s important for the school and the pupils to have ownership of the new school so we’ve been working hard to involve them as much as we possibly can.

“We take the young people to see the steel being made and we’re also taking them to see the bricks being produced, so they get a real insight into how it all comes together, so when it’s completed they’ll feel they’ve been involved in it every step of the way.”

● Head teacher George Harris is pictured with the Golden Bolt at Dene Community School in Peterlee.