Member Article

North Tyneside’s Barrier Group launches new company creating 15 new jobs

Barrier Group has launched a new company, which will be based within the Group’s existing facility in Wallsend, North Tyneside, creating 15 jobs.

Barrier Syntech will support the activities in the offshore and marine industries of its parent company with the manufacturing of specialist products.

Moreover, it will produce insulation products including pre-formed pipe insulation, subsea insulation, pre-formed fire protection for structural steel and blast walls, whilst the architectural products include modular accommodation and steel furniture.

The company has been launched, with an initial investment of £150k in new manufacturing technology, to enable Barrier to deliver in-house production of key products used by the group on projects in a variety of industrial sectors.

Barrier Syntech will be led by new Managing Director Craig Rose. With more than 35 years’ experience in the contracting industry, Craig is best known in the offshore and marine sector for his 26-year spell with insulation contractor McGill where he held the position of Managing Director.

Craig, who is from Stockton-On-Tees, has worked in the UK and around the world including, most recently, Dubai for marine and offshore accommodation specialists Seven Seas Services Llc.

More recently Barrier has expanded its operations beyond the oil sector and the group now carries out passive fire protection, metal spraying, powder coating, architectural & insulation, and scaffolding across the offshore oil and gas, nuclear, marine and offshore renewable energy sectors.

Craig Rose said: “This new company will strengthen Barrier’s position in the offshore sector and I am delighted to be part of this venture. Bringing this area of our operations in-house will give us greater control and make us more agile, which is essential for companies that want to be part of the offshore industry’s future supply chain.”

Robert Bowles, Chairman of Barrier Group, said: “The introduction of Barrier Syntech will increase the capabilities within the group by improving quality and production timescales while providing customers with a more cost-effective solution.

“We have continued to enjoy a period of strong growth in the last couple of years, which is enabling us to make this investment. It will support the evolving landscape in the offshore industry, which is being driven by cost-control and improved efficiencies.

“Being able to appoint someone as experienced and respected as Craig to lead the business is a real coup for Barrier. He has built a fantastic reputation in the offshore and marine contracting industry, which will be integral to the development of Barrier Syntech.”

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