Latest project for engineering firm SengS is out of this world

A north-east engineering services firm has completed its first ‘space’ mission as part of the company’s strategy to diversify into new industry sectors.

SengS, part of integrated manufacturing specialist Pryme Group, has developed its first hyperbaric test programme on behalf of a tier-one aerospace sector client. The value of the initial order was around £40,000 with an additional three tests to be carried out later this year.

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The Ellon-based company successfully designed and manufactured a two-metre (outside diameter) by six-metre (length) hyperbaric chamber, specifically built to accommodate the test component, following an investment of around £120,000.

The comprehensive test programme involved hyperbaric proof testing and ultimate pressure testing; installation and monitoring of strain gauges in hyperbaric state; high-accuracy hyperbaric linear variable differential transformer (LDVT) sensors to monitor displacement; multi-pressure sensors; electrical penetrators; and, live camera screening to the client.

Murray Kerr, group strategic commercial director at Pryme Group, founded SengS in 2012 before its acquisition in November 2016. He commented: “This project not only strengthens the reputation of SengS as a market leader in testing capabilities, but also highlights our ability to design and deliver extremely sophisticated projects to aerospace and other high-tech industries.

“For the work of our team to have been recognised by a tier-one business is an extremely positive milestone and we’re confident of securing further aerospace sector contracts in the coming months.”

SengS has recorded turnover of £2.1million for its March 2018 year-end and expects to increase this figure to more than £3million for its current financial year.

The firm has benefited from greater demand for its services with £3.2million in new business secured over the past 12 months – up 60% from £2million in 2016-17.

In turn, this has allowed SengS to invest in new equipment and expand its team. The business currently employs 25 people and expects to recruit further personnel in 2018, having already added five new employees in the past year.

Angus Gray, CEO of Pryme Group, added: “While diversification into new industry sectors represents a significant growth opportunity for the business, we remain fully committed to supporting our clients across the energy industry by providing innovative engineering solutions that can increase productivity and help reduce costs as confidence returns.”

Based at the Balmacassie Commercial Park, SengS provides engineering, testing, control and hydraulic systems and tooling for clients primarily in the energy industry. Since 2012, the company has successfully delivered more than 600 projects across multiple disciplines for clients in the North Sea, Norway, Azerbaijan, the Middle East and West Africa.

The business has invested £4.4million over the past four years in developing its 9,817 sq ft test facility. This included a £250,000 investment to enhance its existing pressure testing capability with the addition of a custom-built 60ft test rig and a 7.8m diameter by 5.8m high external water test tank.

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