Defence firm earns workplace recognition

A defence manufacturer is celebrating national workplace recognition following a period of rapid growth, innovation and investment in skills development.

Pearson Engineering has been named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 rankings, becoming one of only five organisations in the Newcastle area to make the list this year.

Based at the historic Armstrong Works on the River Tyne, where Victorian industrialist Lord William Armstrong once had his great engineering factories, the company was recognised for strong employee satisfaction across areas including wellbeing, leadership, reward and job satisfaction. 

More than 80 per cent of staff said they are happy at work, while the business also scored highly for confidence in management.

The accolade adds to a growing list of achievements for Pearson Engineering, which was recently named among the North East’s top-performing businesses in the NET 250 and ranked third on the list of the region’s fastest-growing companies.

Ian Bell, chief executive of Pearson Engineering Limited, said: “This recognition is special because it comes directly from the voices of our people. 

“At Armstrong Works, we bring together over 400 highly skilled personnel across our engineering and manufacturing teams. 

“To be listed among the UK’s top employers is a testament to the culture we all build together every single day. 

“While we take great pride in our engineering heritage, it is our commitment to employee engagement and a supportive workplace culture that drives us forward.”

Founded in 1985, the business works with the Ministry of Defence and allied forces around the world, specialising in defence engineering and military mobility equipment.

The latest recognition comes during a period of continued expansion and technological development. 

Pearson Engineering recently launched a new generation of its MineWolf vehicle and is developing Threat Sense, an AI-powered mine detection system designed to improve battlefield safety.

The company has also invested in workforce development through initiatives including its new Welding Academy, aimed at supporting future manufacturing skills in the North East.

To view the NET 250 list in full, click here.

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