Dozens of youngsters have been given a behind-the-scenes tour of a steel factory to see how their new school is being made.

The youngsters from four different schools in the North-East have been shown around the shop floor at Finley Structures on Aycliffe Business Park, to see how raw steel will form the core of their new building.

They were first given a 3D demonstration by a structural engineer to see a virtual construction on screen, before going on to the shop floor to see the steel being fabricated by the most advanced computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery available.

It gave the pupils – from Glendene School in Easington Colliery, Dene School in Peterlee, Hebburn Primary School near South Shields and SEN1 (Bedewell) – an insight into how their new school will develop and take shape.

The children’s visit is a joint-venture by Carillion Building, the firm responsible for the new school buildings, and one of their major sub-contractors Finley Structures.

John Finley, managing director of the family-run firm, said: “The children really enjoyed themselves and, hopefully, they’ve learned a lot.

“We’re committed to involving the community on our projects and it’s always rewarding to see children come in and learn about our operations.

“They all responded very positively and asked our key staff lots of questions which showed their interest.”

Carillion plc is one of the UK’s leading support services and construction companies.

They’re currently working on a 105-tonne new-build at Hebburn School, a 213-tonne new-build at Dene School, a 50-tonne extension at Glendene School and a 213-tonne new-build at SEN1 in Bedewell, Hebburn.

Pupils from Glendene School saw how their new £3m development will take shape, while they also signed a steel plate with their initials, which will be welded in permanently and incorporated into the construction.

Craig Platt, deputy head teacher at the school who also attended the Finley Structures visit, said: “It provided the children with an amazing social experience.

“It gave them an insight into the world of work but it also gives them a sense of ownership with the new-build that’s currently in the process of being constructed

“They’ve seen the process of the raw steel being fabricated at Finley Structures and how everyone works together as a team.

“They found it thoroughly fascinating and they’ve all benefited hugely from the visit.”

Finley Structures have begun a £500,000 expansion of its County Durham factory.

The firm acquired the 39,000 sq ft unit adjacent to its current premises on Aycliffe Business Park to develop the site for its sister company, SCH Site Services.

SCH Site Services is a stand-alone firm which works alongside Finley Structures, focusing on structural steel installation and secondary steelwork packages.
The new site is a £500,000 investment which will create at least 10 new jobs, boosting SCH’s current 27-strong workforce, on top of the 51 current Finley Structures employees.

Finley Structures managing director John Finley, pictured in the site, said “This is a positive development for the group of companies which will create new jobs in the area and enhance the business significantly.

“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.”

SCH will be looking to employ Contract Managers, Welders, Platers and Labourers at the new facility.

Finley Structures has just completed high-profile contracts with Tolent Construction at Nifco’s new site near Stockton and BAM Construction at its Sunderland Software Centre.

It is also currently working on jobs at North Shields Metro Station for May Gurney Rail Services Limited, Hebburn Primary School for Carillion Building and Central Walker Primary School in Newcastle for Sir Robert McAlpine.

Finley Structures have completed work on their latest high-profile contract in the region.

The County Durham firm has just finished its 700-tonne construction on a new £8.5m state-of-the-art car production site on Teesside – completing the job within a tight five-week deadline.

Tolent Construction are developing the site near Eaglescliffe for Stockton-based company Nifco, which will produce car parts for the firm and create 120 new jobs.

Newton Aycliffe firm Finley Structures won the £870,000 contract to supply, fabricate and erect the structural steelwork for the factory, which is expected to be fully completed by the end of the year.

Managing director John Finley said: “The Nifco project is another example of how far Finley Structures has come in the last few years.

“We’ve reached a stage where main contractors have recognised us as one of the market leaders, both in the North-East region as well as nationally. Our reputation out on site and in delivering projects within budget and deadline is becoming one of if not the best.

“While feeding the Nifco site, we also had other large-scale contracts on the go around the North-East region, including a 300-tonne site at the Sunderland Software Centre and a 315-tonne site at NETPark in Sedgefield as well as major jobs at Nissan’s new site at Washington and another site at North Shields Metro station, and none of these jobs were adversely affected during our time on them.

“Contracts between 300 and 1,000 tonnes are now run of the mill to us, which is a glowing testament to our highly-skilled and dedicated workforce.”

Nifco is creating 120 jobs and safeguarding a further 180 with the expansion of its site on Durham Lane.

The Japanese car component firm, which makes parts for Nissan, Toyota and Honda, currently operates from a 44-year-old site. The new 11,750m-square injection moulding facility is expected to be completed by November and will start production in the first quarter of 2012.

● The picture shows Finley Structures managing director John Finley outside the Nifco site near Eaglescliffe, Stockton. Click here to view the finished building.

The FA Cup has brought a special cause to celebrate for steel boss John Finley.

The managing director of family-run firm Finley Structures sponsored Newton Aycliffe FC’s latest new stand earlier this year to enable their promotion to the Northern League first division.

And when the world’s most famous trophy paid a visit to Moore Lane Park at Aycliffe Sports Club last week, John took some of his father’s football momentos along for good measure.

John and his son Gary are pictured next to the stand which they supplied steel for, the stand was named after John’s father William.

William Finley played for various clubs at Northern League level in the 1940s and 50s, including Black Hall, Lanchester, Bishop, Ushaw Moor, Brandon and Esh Winning Albion, winning 19 trophies.

John and Gary are pictured with all of the trophies alongside the FA Cup, after the famous old trophy paid a visit at Aycliffe’s ground celebrate their first-ever game in the FA Cup at home to Billingham Synthonia.

John said: “My dad would have been as proud as punch to see his trophy’s alongside the FA Cup and the stand being named in his memory.”

Aycliffe won the Northern League second division title last season, and their FA Cup game against Synners was the first-ever in their 46-year history.

John added: “We’re proud to be involved in supporting the local football club.

“Their progress over the last few seasons has been tremendous and we wish them all the very best of luck – not just in the FA Cup this weekend, but for years to come.”

Finley Stuctures have recently completed work on a £350,000 contract with Bam Construction.

Work started on the new £10m Software Centre, a centrepiece for Sunderland’s growing software industry, earlier in the year.

Finley were awarded the £350,000 contract to supply, fabricate and erect the structural steelwork, completing the 300-tonne job in five weeks, which included landing the decking packs and pre cast concrete stair installation.

Managing director John Finley said: “From receiving the order to delivering it, everything went extremely well and according to plan.

“It’s the first time we’ve worked with BAM Construction, but they’re delighted with our work and we’d hope it’s just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.”

BAM’s senior project surveyor David Coe said: “This is the first time BAM have worked with Finley Structures, and we would certainly be more than happy to do so again.

“We found all members of Finley Structures to be extremely helpful and competent. Tenders were returned swiftly, design works were produced in accordance with our requested programme, and the site installation was completed around two weeks ahead of programme.”

The Software Centre, which is due to open next year, aims to bring 140 jobs to Sunderland and will continue cementing the city’s and the North East’s reputation as a centre for hi-tech businesses.

The 53,000 sq ft development will have state-of-the-art accommodation for 60 software businesses, as well as exhibition space, showing visitors in a fun and interactive way, the role software plays in their lives.

Finley Stuctures were on hand to give a Terminator-like robot a helping hand at a popular science fun day in the region last week.

More than 1,000 people visited the Brainwave event at North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield last Saturday, to take part in a variety of workshops and experiences.

Families across County Durham were able to witness science and technology brought to life in a fun and interactive way.

The three-day event, organised by County Durham Development Company, which manages NETPark on behalf of Durham County Council, was held last week.

Local schoolchildren enjoyed special day visits before it was open to the general public last Saturday.

One of the star attractions was Skeletron, a man-made robot built out of scrap metal, which wowed visitors by climbing a 50ft rope, which was hanging from a crane supplied free of charge Newton Aycliffe firm Finley Structures.

“We’re always keen to assist with local community events wherever possible,” said the firm’s managing director John Finley.

“Although this was probably one of the more unusual requests we get, we were more than happy to help and, despite the bad weather, the Brainwave event was well attended.”

Other attractions at Brainwave included hands-on workshops and activities, demonstrations, engineering sessions with the Army, tours of NETPark, fun and engaging educational sessions and wacky group lectures.

Article published in the Northern Echo, April 27, 2011

Family firm Finley Structures underlined its commitment to Newton Aycliffe this year by supplying steel free of charge to build a stand for the town’s football club.

The gesture ensured the club had the facilities required to confirm its promotion to the Northern League first division.

The stand bears the name of William Finley, the father of Finley Structures’ current managing director John who, along with his wife, Valerie, son, Gary and daughter, Julie, is building on the company’s solid foundations.

Like its rival firms in the construction sector, Finley has faced a very tough time in recent years. The decision three years ago to invest £1m in new machinery almost backfired. As the recession began to bite, the orders slowed down, staff were made redundant and vans taken off the road.

But when the business began to recover, the investment in the plant proved to be a shrewd move that has helped the company secure prestigious contracts to supply such as Nissan, car parts supplier Nifco and Sunderland Software Centre.

John Finley said: “When the downturn hit we were slack for about three months as contracts went on hold.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a worrying time for everyone. We dropped from having 65 to about 50 staff. Thankfully, the work came back on stream and we haven’t stopped since. It was a scary time, but the investment in the factory has made us a more competitive force in the long run.”

The workforce is now 74 strong and set to grow further as plans are in place to extend operations into a 39,000sq ft secondary steelwork facility adjacent to the current site.

The new Nifco plant in Stockton and supporting the construction of Nissan’s electric battery plant has secured more than £1.75mworth of business and helped to underpin Finley’s strong recovery.

Mr Finley said: “We are now going for contracts that we may not have got in the past. Bids have to be keenly priced because it’s a very competitive market, the margins are tight, but the key thing is that we are on an upward curve.

“We are winning business because I’d like to think we give our customers great service. It is also important is that we employ our own steel erectors, we have our own cranes, so that makes us self-contained, whereas most other fabricators sub-let. We can do everything.

“Aycliffe is the perfect location for our business. You can draw on a good workforce from the surrounding towns like Shildon, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Sedgefield. Road and rail links are great, we have Durham Tees Valley Airport on the doorstep so keeping that all important face-to-face contact with our clients is pretty straightforward.”

Despite the Government cuts signalling the death knell of the national schools building programme, Finley has continued to pick up a solid body of work from the education sector.

Projects in Easington and Sedgefield are to be followed by school building work in Hull.

MrFinley said: “Schools have been our bread and butter work and it looks like they will keep ticking over for the foreseeable future.

“Nissan was a godsend. We lost out for the main build, but we picked up all of the secondary steelwork on the project. It kicked off at about £200,000-worth of work that went up to about £1m.

“We have faced a really hard spell, but we fought back and are now starting to get the rewards.”

Pictured above (L-R): MD John Finley, director Valerie, company secretary Julie and director Gary.

A group of County Durham children were treated to an afternoon of science with a difference at Finley Structures.

The year six pupils from Fishburn Primary School took time out of the classroom to visit our Newton Aycliffe site, to see the process of raw steel being made into a full structure.

The youngsters were first given a 3D demonstration by a structural engineer, showing them a virtual construction on screen, before going on to the shop floor to see the steel being fabricated by the most advanced computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery available.

They then went on-site to see the steel being erected at Durham County Council’s £10m North East Technology Park (NETPark) development, near Sedgefield.

Their teacher Danny Eason said: “The whole afternoon covered maths, science and art originally, but it also demonstrated team skills and people working together, so it was hugely beneficial for the children and they thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The fascination for them was seeing the steel being prepared at Finley Structures first, how the structural engineer designed it then going on to the shop floor to see it being put together.

“They then visited the site at NETPark to see it being erected so they’ve seen the whole process from start to almost the finish and they found that very interesting.

“The children will produce a short film about their visit for their social media site, so the whole trip was invaluable.”

The children’s visit was a joint-venture by Willmott Dixon, the firm responsible for building the science park at NETPark, and one of their major sub-contractors Finley Structures.

John Finley, managing director of the family-run Aycliffe-based firm, said: “Both Finley and Willmott Dixon are committed to involving the community on our projects and this was a fantastic reflection of that.

“The children enjoyed a very informative and practical lesson, both in our factory and on-site, and they were extremely responsive and inquisitive.

“We hope they got a lot out of the afternoon and we look forward to welcoming more children on future projects as we continually look to involve our local community.”

NETPark houses businesses in the science and technology sector. Its new development near Sedgefield, which comprises two units all together, will provide premises for firms that have developed its incubator facilities.

Finley Structures was formed in 2000, and the family-owned company moved to its current location at Aycliffe Business Park in 2003. The company provides structural steelwork to the construction industry, and in 2008 invested more than £1m in its production facility to manufacture in excess of 200 tonnes of steel per week.

Finley Structures have stepped in to back a local football club by supplying thousands of pounds worth of steel free of charge.

The family-run company, based on Aycliffe Business Park in County Durham, have supplied the fabricated steel frame for a new stand to make Newton Aycliffe eligible for promotion to the Northern League first division this season.

The club has agreed to name the new stand in memory of William Finley, the father of Finley Structures managing director John, who is pictured with Aycliffe media manager Martin Walker.

John said: “We knew about Aycliffe’s promising league position and the situation with the new stand and we were approached by a good friend of mine, Charlie Fielding, who’s a trustee of Aycliffe Sports Club.

“Charlie and I go back a lot of years and I know he’s keen to see the Sports Club promote its sections’ activities. He’s calling on professional friendships from various old contacts of his to get this stand up and we wanted to do our bit.

“We’re absolutely delighted the club have agreed to name the stand in memory of my father, who passed away in 1995. As a footballer himself, he’d be very proud.”

William Finley played for various clubs at Northern League level in the 1940s and 50s, including Black Hall, Lancester, Bishop, Ushaw Moor, Brandon and Esh Winning Albion, winning 19 trophies.

Martin Walker said: “We’re over the moon Finley Structures have stepped in to help out like this, as well as the hard work and expertise of Charlie, and it would be our pleasure to name the new stand in honour of William Finley.

“Getting the stand up before the March 31 deadline will help to relieve a major burden for the football club and will enable us to focus on trying to make sure we finish in the top three of the second division.”

Aycliffe have won the Northern League second division title this season and, thanks to the William Finley Stand, their ground has passed a league inspection to ensure their promotion to the first division.

Year 10 students at South Shields Community School travelled down to Finley Structures’ steel fabrication plant in Newton Aycliffe to write their initials on the steel column.

Janet Burdon, head of support services at the school which is currently based in McAnany Avenue, said: “Each of the students chalked their initials onto one of the giant steel columns, which will hold up the roof of the new building.