North East manufacturer BEL Valves has invested £250,000 over the last 18 months to future-proof the business as part of its sustainability plans. The changes in the oil and gas industry and the worldwide goal of achieving net-zero have challenged the business to reassess the long-term future of the deep-sea oil and gas industry. Following an extensive restructure in 2020, the valve manufacturer aims to generate up to GBP 20M in sales by 2025 as part of a five-year plan, targeting the energy transition market, as well as traditional markets.
By introducing a multi-skilled workforce, where employees are encouraged to take on new responsibilities, the Newcastle-based business has improved its lead time to cater to an increase in fast track orders sending bespoke products in as little as 24 weeks from the enquiry.
With over 50 years of experience, the business has developed a large portfolio of topside and subsea applications, specialising in high integrity, complex valve solutions for applications including subsea high-integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) and high pressure and high-temperature ultra-deep applications for critical service conditions, including the first subsea gate valve in 1985.
As part of the plan, BEL Valves has introduced a ‘one team environment’ where employees meet daily to ensure they are working towards the same targets. The business has also opened opportunities for employees who would normally be based at the St. Peter’s site to work offsite or offshore at an installed base.
The business has invested in two state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval units which have transformed the stores and stock handling process. Additional work to upgrade the assembly and test offices, testing bays, lighting, and paintwork has started.
