Mersey Manufactures Dog Kennels for Stena Line

Merseyside engineering firm IPS Marine Fabrications is helping ferry operator Stena Line expand its accommodation for man’s best friend after securing a deal to build a series of bespoke dog kennels.

Stena Line wants to improve pet facilities with bespoke kennels on board the Stena Superfast X, Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey.

IPS Marine Fabrications director Paul Smith said the Birkenhead firm has built a long-standing relationship with Stena Line and the latest project follows a series of deals delivering metal fabrication and insulation services across many vessels in the ferry fleet.

“IPS is a specialist in metal fabrication and this latest contract shows the versatility of our service,” he said. “We have manufactured and installed a total of 14 dog kennels for three Stena Line ferries, installed them in locations including Holyhead and have another two ready to export.

“They were all specially made at our Birkenhead manufacturing hall which contains cutting edge metal forming equipment including a four-meter 190-ton break press, MIG, TIG and arc welding machines, as well as stud arc, CD and drawn arc welding facilities.

“Our long-standing relationship with Stena Line has been built through diverse projects, over a number of years, including the supply of high temperature exhaust insulation to main engines, and upgrading air-flow systems in car decks. The latest metal fabrication work adds to the portfolio, and helps to demonstrate one of IPS’s key unique selling points – we are one of very few companies in the UK which offers both insulation and fabrications services under one roof.”

IPS was formed in 2001 by former Cammell Laird shipyard managers Paul Smith and Peter Hillan, who have combined industry experience of more than 50 years. The £2million turnover firm, employing 30 staff, offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ for marine insulation and metal fabrication including survey, design, manufacture, installation and maintenance services.

Mr Smith said the firm relocated to its current premises near the River Mersey in Marcus Street, Birkenhead, to boost capacity to support Cammell Laird on its multi-million HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier contract with the Royal Navy. It has further supported the shipyard on its 25 year “through-life support” contracts to maintain nine of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.

“Not many fabrication and insulation firms share our track record of high-level naval work, and particularly drawn-arc stud welding,” said Mr Smith.

“The standard of our manufacturing equipment and the materials we use means we deliver robust solutions, helping to bring down maintenance costs. However, we not only strive for a practical and reliable end product but also a highly professional appearance. A key part of the service is about enhancing the overall aesthetics of a vessel.”