Unit Engineers and Constructers Ltd

Based in Pembrokeshire, Unit Engineers & Constructors Ltd currently employs 167 people and, as a venture, has exceeded its projections for turnover and profitability for the last 12 months. The company is involved in a range of different functions related to the oil and gas industry. These include prefabrication and installation of pipe and steelwork, construction of process plant and refinery maintenance. In support of these capabilities, the company has a highly-motivated team of project managers, engineers and supervisors leading a workforce of directly employed skilled craftsmen to undertake projects of all sizes within the oil and petrochemical, gas, power and other major industries. Current customers include major firms such as Total, Murco, Chevron, British Gas and Exxon. Major challenges during the recession have been the recruiting of sufficiently skilled labour and managing cash flow within its working capital facilities. The marketplace remains highly competitive and it is a significant challenge to pitch prices at a level acceptable to clients.

Origins

The company was established in 2004 to take advantage of the opportunities for business growth in the oil, gas and power sectors in the West Wales area. Other motivations included creating employment in a traditionally deprived area and challenging national companies in generating work within the local community. As with all start ups, Unit faced challenges in raising sufficient finance to support potential growth, attracting skilled labour, and obtaining professional accreditation to enable the company to meet pre-qualification standards for quality and safety. It also had to obtain support to purchase vital equipment to develop the business, having been refused grant aid by the relative Government department.

Success factors

Unit has achieved rapid growth by targeting major projects locally and ensuring inclusion on clients’ bid lists by pre-qualifying at the early stages of a project. The firm has also built on opportunities by producing a quality product delivered on time and within budget and by meeting all safety requirements.

The future?

The company aims to expand group turnover to £30million profitably within a five year timescale and to maximise market share in the power sector in the next fifteen years. It will also develop its reputation within the growing nuclear industry to maximise opportunities that will arise over the next few years.

Sector: Oil Industry Engineers

Established: 2004

Growth: 977.8%