DME Systems on growth trail after Jarrow move

A subsea engineering firm says it will create jobs after switching headquarters to meet rising demand.

DME Systems has moved into Jarrow Business Centre.

Bosses say the base provides room to take on staff over the coming months and increased workshop space to service global projects.

Founded 17 months ago, the business designs subsea and marine equipment, with its order book including schemes across the UK, US, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands and Germany.

However, it is also targeting growth across the defence sector, as well as offshore renewables, mining and telecoms.

Co-founder Darren Coombe said: “When we created the business, we recognised the requirement for solutions in the marine sector; however, we didn’t expect the level of interest and how quickly we’ve grown.

“We’re excited about the future; we continue to grow and will be looking to recruit new people in the coming months.”

Darren, who previously worked in Teesside’s steel industry and also counts Tyneside subsea firms on his CV, added: “We are designing engineering machines to bury offshore power cables, remotely-operated skids to measure the seabed geology and next generation all-electric subsea winches.”

Fellow co-founder Michael van Zwanenberg praised the support of South Tyneside Council in DME Systems’ growth.

He added: “The council has been brilliant for us – we’ve had amazing support from the team as we’ve grown.

“We started out working from home and then took some office space at Quadrus (in Boldon).

“As we grew, we needed more room and an active workshop space – the business support team, especially Gren, couldn’t have been more supportive.

“There are many complexities in starting and building a business, but with South Tyneside’s support, securing offices and workshops has been simple and effective.”