Express Engineering: investing in growth from the North East

Established in 1973, Express Engineering has an international reputation for unrivalled product quality, service and best-in-class processes.

The business, based in Gateshead at a 100,000 sq.ft facility, provides precision manufacturing solutions to customers in the oils & gas, aerospace, defence, marine and power generation sectors.

Support for international expansion

Express Engineering’s management team, including Chris Thompson, secured support for its international expansion strategy from LDC in October 2013. LDC’s capital injection is enabling the business to drive growth in new markets and increase capacity.

In 2021 Express Engineering made the Sunday Times International Track 200. The list, published annually, recognises Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing overseas sales. Express Engineering, placed 11th in the prestigious league table after growing international sales by an average of 131% in the last two years. The business recorded exports of £21m, and through its strategic partnerships with customers has grown revenues from £19m to £36m in the financial year ending September 2020. The top countries it exports to include the USA, Norway, Brazil and Indonesia.

Investing for growth

LDC supported the business to open a new £3.5m 48,000 sq.ft purpose-built centre in the Team Valley in April 2021 as it continues developing in global markets.

Express Engineering Chairman Chris Thompson said: “The new centre positions us strongly for further expansion and success as we look forward to providing customers with the most competitive, high quality subsea products.”