An engineering firm is set to double the team size at one of its regional bases – amid surging demand for its services and a packed order book.
Forth Engineering, which opened a new arm of the business – Forth Fabrications – in Barrow in 2023, has experienced a surge in customer enquiries.
With existing projects taking the team to capacity, Operations Manager Carl Hallows is launching a hunt for key personnel to ensure future contracts can be delivered.
He said: “The fabrication unit has taken off spectacularly since it was launched last year – the team is just about keeping up with demand. But with no anticipated slowdown in the requirements of our existing clients, and new businesses wanting to commission work, we need to expand.
“That means more well-paid, highly skilled jobs for the local area and economy which is fantastic – and it of course means as a business, we can continue to operate as a vibrant contributor to the engineering sector in Barrow.
“We have a sharp focus on quality outputs so getting the right people will be crucial – but I have every faith they exist either in Barrow of the surrounding communities.”
In the last 12 months Forth has increased turnover by 50%, profits have increased, and the firm’s total workforce has grown by 20%.
The company has invested heavily in new premises by opening a third site at Cleator Moor’s Leconfield estate.
Forth Fabrications was launched last year from a newly acquired facility in Barrow to support BAE Systems submarine division and other industries across the region, creating five new jobs and helping the company deliver end-to-end solutions to a diverse range of clients.
The existing Barrow team of eight is expected to double to sixteen in the coming months, with an initial focus on the roles of Project Manager, Design Engineer, and Commissioning Engineer.
Forth’s Managing Director, Mark Telford, said: “Barrow has a thriving industrial corridor with a diverse range of businesses, many of which are working at the cutting edge of technology and redefining what is possible.
“As a solutions-led engineering business, we are uniquely placed to support our industry colleagues through the provision of expertly fabricated components – and our Barrow team play a key role in the delivery of this.
“Investing in more people, skills and expertise is absolutely the right thing to do as this part of the business expands and enjoys success.”
The business will begin a recruitment drive shortly.
