Industrial machinery manufacturer opens new UK head office and assembly plant

Global manufacturer of industrial blasting, coating, extraction and vacuum machines, SIE Industrial, has opened a new state-of-the-art head office and assembly plant in Sunderland.

Representing a six-figure investment, the new 11,374 sq ft facility at Sunrise Enterprise Park is almost double the size of the company's previous head office, reflecting the firm's significant growth over recent years.

Some of the world's largest civil engineering and industrial services businesses rely upon its machinery, with SIE's expert team in the North East also providing a complete supply solution comprising installation, maintenance and troubleshooting support to clients in all seven continents. 

The move will provide the company with increased production capacity and see it create over a dozen jobs, with roles ranging from mechanical and electrical fitters to administration, sales, finance, stores and logistics to be made available.

Gareth Bowen, Managing Director of SIE Industrial, said: "We pride ourselves on supplying the highest quality industrial dust extraction, vacuum recovery and abrasive blasting equipment and this new head office and assembly plant will be key to ensuring we can continue to do just that.

"We have an incredibly skilled team here in the North East who, for the past 40 years, have really pushed the boundaries when it comes to developing leading-edge machines that can be utilised across a wide range of environments and sectors, and the move will provide them with the space and resources required to continue innovating and realise their potential.

"It will also provide us with increased capacity and allow us to bring new talent into the business, from skilled engineers to apprentices and those who can work in the back-office as we look to drive further growth, develop our team and strengthen our service offering."

Since its launch in 1982 by Gareth's father, Paul, the family-owned business has seen its equipment utilised for the development and maintenance of everything from naval vessels to railway stations, airports and infrastructure projects such as the Forth Rail Bridge and Hinkley Point C.

And with global spending on defence, maritime and nuclear set to hit record highs next year, Gareth is hopeful the new facility - alongside a new base in the United Arab Emirates and the onboarding of experienced director Gary Taylor - will be key to ensuring the company continues to meet the rising demand for its products.

He said: "We have long harboured ambitions to open offices overseas and the new base in the UAE is the first step in us realising that ambition.

"Alongside the opening of the new Sunderland head office and the appointment of Gary Taylor as Strategic Relationship Director, it marks an exciting milestone for SIE as we seek to continue helping businesses across the global abrasive and blasting industry be more productive, reduce costs and work smarter."

SIE Industrial was supported in its move to the new head office by the business investment team at Sunderland City Council who provided signposting and referrals to various business support organisations across the city who could help the company.

Cllr James Jackson, Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "SIE Industrial has established a stellar reputation for designing and supplying world-leading machinery, while creating skilled job opportunities for local people, so it is fantastic that the company is continuing to invest in the city.

"It's great that the team have been able to have been able to support the company's move to the new site and we look forward to following the company's journey as it continues to grow its presence not only in Sunderland but across the globe."

For more information on Sunderland as a place to do business, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/business-and-investment