Finley Structures complete 340-tonne oil & gas manufacturing facility

Newton Aycliffe construction firm Finley Structures is helping a Cramlington-based oil and gas manufacturer to expand with a new facility.

PII Pipeline Solutions, part of the GE Oil & Gas group, currently works from a series of buildings on the North Nelson Industrial Estate in Cramlington, where it specialises in generating pipeline inspection data for clients.

Now the business is expanding with a new building manufacturing and office base.

Finley Structures was awarded a contract from main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland to design, fabricate and erect a 340-tonne frame for the £11m development.

The Aycliffe firm has also installed two pre-cast concrete stair cases, and employed local labour to erect the steel.

When completed, the property will be made up of a 74,110 sq ft, two-storey office and double height industrial space with associated car parking, service yards and landscaping, all spread across 16 acres.

Finley Structures operations manager Jim Graham said: “We’ve continued our ongoing relationship with Bowmer and Kirkland by delivering an all-round design and build contract for this new facility.

“When completed the site will provide a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for PII Pipeline Solutions as well as new office space.”

PII currently has more than 650 people across 11 international sites including around 200 in Cramlington.

The expansion plans – which have been funded by its landowners, investment fund LXi REIT, which has let the facility to PII – were given full approval by Northumberland County Council earlier this year.

The application then said: “The proposal is for the initial demolition of an existing warehouse building and the construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing/repair and refurbishment centre including new two-storey offices and amenity facilities.

“Once complete GE will transfer all staff and workshops into the new facility and the remaining office building will be demolished to provide a redevelopment opportunity.

“The business park is an established employment site and forms an important part of the city council balanced portfolio of employment land and is one of the key locations available for general business development.”