Lionweld Kennedys offshore safety grating type SG.Lionweld Kennedy's Access Engineering Division, formed around 10 years ago, supplies industrial flooring, handrail systems and associated steelwork. Around 25% of its UK business and around 30% of its exported products supply the offshore industry.
Last year, the company completed a £1 million investment at its Middlesborough plant installing a new machine capable of making 68 welds simultaneously, which has doubled its pro duction capacity. Although its industrial flooring products have changed little in the last 30 years, sales director Les Hannan points out that Lionweld Kennedy provides a complete service and not just the end product.
"It's important to get the exact design parameters so we know precisely what the designer is looking for," says Hannan. "With this information we make design recommendations for safe, secure, and durable products giving a variety of options. This allows us to provide the most cost effective engineering service that meets all technical and safety requirements and matches the life of the structure where it is being used."
Despite the growing trend for smaller fixed structures in the North Sea which require less of Lionweld Kennedy's products, the company has grown by a round 70% in the last three years. Hannan puts that down to a growing share of the European market and increased business in the Middle and Far East.
The majority of its flooring and associated products is made from mild galvanized carbon steel, although the company can provide stainless steel, aluminum, or GRP composites if required.
Recent contracts from the European sector include replacement process modules for Shell's Brent redevelopment, drilling modules and piperacks for Britannia, and a variety of products for the the FPSOs Schiehallion, Glas Dowr, Captain, Asgard A, Norne, Galley, and Balder.
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