IPS Reports Employment Surge

Mersey engineering firm IPS Marine Fabrications is reporting an employment surge following strong growth across the maritime sector.

The Birkenhead business led by Paul Smith [pictured] and Peter Hillan specializes in metal fabrication and insulation services predominantly for maritime firms. It has employed five new recruits in the last year taking the total staff count to 30.

Mr Smith said the firm has been reinforced with highly-trained metal fabricators and insulators to help manage an increasing workload.

“IPS has witnessed a significant rise in work across the military, commercial and offshore maritime markets,” he said. “We benefit from a long-standing relationship with Cammell Laird shipyard and its 25-year through life support contract with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels. This work has been fundamental to our business growth.

“We have also made progress in the commercial maritime market delivering high-temperature exhaust insulation to ferries. Further contracts have seen us delivering fire protection projects for petroleum carriers. This variety of work helps to highlight the versatility and competence of our engineering service.

“Our team has been charged up with a number of new specialist engineers to manage the upturn in work. This includes two fabricators, an insulator and two general laborers. The extra resource will allow us to take on even greater levels of work to keep driving an upward sales trajectory.”

The Birkenhead firm’s recruitment boost has been twinned with capital investment totaling more than £150,000. This includes new sheet metal fabrication facilities, a brake press and drawn arc stud welding machines.

Mr Smith said discussions are also underway to expand the manufacturing facility at the Marcus Street site.

“ISP is one of very few companies in Britain to offer both insulation and fabrication,” said Mr Smith. “This is a prime selling point. We combine decades of experience and expertise with first class equipment and facilities. This enables us to provide a one-stop-shop solution to a broad mix of complex insulations and fabrication challenges.

“Our client benefit from a fast and efficient service as well as value for money.

“IPS’ insulation package includes thermal, acoustic and structural fire protection. This requires meticulous attention to detail to protect against vessel fire and explosions.

“Our knowledge of steel and aluminium fabrication also enables us to manage a wide variety of projects for ships. This includes ventilation systems upgrades and air conditioning installations. We can further manufacture robust and durable furniture and fittings.

“Due to increased demand for this relatively unique skill set we are now considering expanding our current site. Plans are at the very early stages but this could see the creation of a larger manufacturing hall and further job creation in 2015.”