Mersey Engineering Firm IPS Lands Offshore Deal

Mersey engineering firm IPS Marine Fabrications has completed a contract to manufacture oil rig beds for a Yorkshire-based furniture company.
 
The Birkenhead business, led by Paul Smith and Peter Hillan, specializes in metal fabrication and insulation services predominantly for maritime firms.
 
It secured the latest manufacturing deal with Marine & Offshore Furniture Ltd, which has its furniture workshops based in Sutton in Derwent, near York.
 
Mr Smith said an initial specification to produce two beds for a rig proved such a success another order was placed for a total of 66 beds. 
 
“Marine & Offshore Furniture approached IPS because of our growing reputation as an expert metal fabricator,” said Mr Smith. “We worked with robust, corrugated steel to give the beds great strength and durability.  
 
“The beds are lightweight and detachable which makes them versatile and easy to move. This is particularly useful for small and contained environments, such as offshore rigs which lack space.” 
 
IPS used a new CNC break press to deliver the order, following an £80,000 investment to install new machinery at the Merseyside manufacturing base. The specialist machine is used for bending sheet and plate material. It ensured folds in the steel sheet were precisely calculated for maximum strength.
 
Mr Smith said the contract demonstrates IPS' manufacturing ability and versatility as a metal fabricator.
“We take pride in our bespoke manufacturing service providing a broad range of products to suit customers' needs. This is the first maritime furniture contract which IPS has delivered. However, we estimate there is large scope for growth in the market.”
 
The order comes as IPS recently reported a surge in employment following strong growth in the last 12 months. It has recruited five extra staff, taking the total employee count to 30. The workforce has been reinforced with highly-trained metal fabricators and insulators to help manage an upturn in business.
 
Recruitment has been accompanied by capital investment totaling more than £150,000. This includes new sheet metal fabrication facilities and drawn arc stud welding machines.
 
Mr Smith added: “Our knowledge of steel and aluminium fabrication enables us to manage a wide variety of maritime projects. This includes manufacturing furniture and fittings, ventilation system upgrades and air conditioning installations.
 
“Meanwhile, our insulation package includes thermal, acoustic and structural fire protection. This requires meticulous attention to detail to protect against vessel fire and explosions.
“IPS is one of the few companies in Britain to offer both insulation and fabrication, which 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 to a broad mix of complex challenges.”
 
Neil Rymer, sole director of Marine & Offshore Furniture Ltd, said: “We have exacting standards in our own manufacturing workshops and have been looking for an alternative bed manufacturer to suit different client needs for some time. IPS Marine Fabrications is a perfect partner for us.”