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North East engineering company grows overseas exports

Trade and Investment Minister Lord Livingston has been given an insight into how the North East is leading the way in the oil and gas industry, as he urged businesses to tap into overseas markets.

Lord Livingston visited Tyneisde to tour BEL Valves, part of the British Engines Group, to see progress on the company’s £15 million investment programme that aims to create new jobs and business growth in the area.

The company, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has seen its turnover almost double in the last three years, while staff numbers have increased from 393 to 551.

Growth is predicted to continue, which is why the company launched a £15 million investment plan at the end of 2013 to develop its Newcastle site over the next four years.

It aims to increase production and test facility capacity, and cater for its increased staff.

During his visit Lord Livingston was given an overview of the company’s success so far and its investment plans to support its forecasted export growth.

He then went on a tour of the site, including the machine shops where he met operators and apprentices involved in the in-house manufacturing process.

He also saw the assembly and test site, where the company rigorously tests its products to meet the demands of its customers and the hazardous environments in which they are installed.

Test facilities at BEL Valves include internal pressure testing, simulated water depth, fire, cryogenic and leak testing.

Lord Livingston said:“BEL Valves is a great example of a dynamic company which is growing its business through exporting.

“Increasing the number of UK businesses that sell overseas is integral to the Government’s long term economic plan to build a stronger, more competitive economy.

“Last year companies from the North East contributed to the region’s economic success with almost £12 billion in exports.

“Companies in the North East wanting to export should contact UK Trade & Investment who can give them the support they need to get started.”

CEO at BEL Valves Ltd, Neil Kirkbride, said:“Recent figures from HMRC reveal the North East as the fastest growing region in England for export.

“This, alongside the fact the region has amongst the strongest manufacturing output and order books in the UK, shows that we really know how to make things happen in the North East.

“Fundamentally we are specialist engineers and we aim to retain the most talented professionals right here in the North East.

“I am delighted that these figures show that we are achieving this together as a region – we certainly are at BEL Valves.

“It is this technical expertise and creativity that enables us to continue designing and manufacturing new products to meet the needs of our clients.

“We were delighted to welcome Lord Livingston and look forward to working with UKTI more in the future.”

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