Sherburn Metalwork Ltd is a new subsidiary of the WEC Group. Part of the WEC Laser division, Sherburn Metalwork is the new automotive division of WEC which specializes exclusively in the fabrication of bus structures.
Based in a brand new 27,000 square foot factory in Sherburn-in-Elmet, Leeds, Sherburn Metalwork employs over 50 employees, a figure that is very likely to increase in 2012.
The company was created after WEC was awarded their largest contract to date. Under the new deal, around 600 bus structures will be built in year one, but volume is expected to rise to 900-1,200 next year once extra shifts are implemented.
The multi million pounds contract has safeguarded a number of jobs in the local area and the company expects to create more jobs as volume increases. A double / treble shift system will be implemented, which is likely to result in a substantial increase in skilled welder positions. As well as this, a number ofnew management, supervisory and administration roles have already been created.
The WEC Group laser cutting division will produce all the components from its Darwen and Liverpool sites for all the bus franes and Sherburn Metalwork will fabricate accordingly.
The creation of Sherburn Metalwork has enabled the WEC Group to raise their staff level to over 375 employees compared to the 303 employees at the start of 2011. The new deal has also helped to underpin and secure work for WEC's existing factories in Darwen and Liverpool.