SIE to 'drive further growth' with new headquarters

A North East industrial machinery manufacturer has stepped up its global growth plans with the opening of a new head office and assembly plant in Sunderland.

SIE Industrial has opened an 11,374sq ft facility at Sunrise Enterprise Park following a six-figure investment.

Almost double the size of its previous headquarters, bosses say the site will increase production capacity and support the creation of more than a dozen new jobs.

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.”

The family-owned business designs and manufactures industrial blasting, coating, extraction and vacuum equipment used by major civil engineering and industrial services firms around the world.

Its North East team also provides installation, maintenance and technical support to customers across all seven continents.

Founded in 1982 by Paul Bowen, Gareth’s father, SIE’s machinery has been used on projects ranging from naval vessels and airports to the Forth Rail Bridge and Hinkley Point C.

The expansion comes as demand across the defence, maritime and nuclear sectors continues to grow.

Alongside the new Sunderland facility, the company has opened a base in the United Arab Emirates and strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of strategic relationship director Gary Taylor to support its next phase of growth.

Gareth added: “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 received support from Sunderland City Council’s business investment team during its relocation, including introductions to organisations providing business support across the city.

Councillor James Jackson, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “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.”

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