Darlington’s Cleveland Bridge UK boosts safety with new investment

A bridge builder has invested in new technology to improve safety and efficiency.

Cleveland Bridge UK, based in Darlington, is using a new fully automated flange grinding preparation line.

Bosses say the equipment dramatically increases safety, since it reduces the need for employees to manually grind parts in a key element of the manufacturing process.

They say four operators and two maintenance technicians have been upskilled to operate the new machine, with the engineer offering advanced training and new opportunities to existing employees to progress in their roles.

The apparatus was officially unveiled by Councillor Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council.

Chris Droogan, Cleveland Bridge UK managing director, said: “We were really grateful to Councillor Scott and her colleagues for helping us launch our latest investment, which will continue to enhance our manufacturing capabilities.

“We are consistently looking at ways to improve the production process, which creates greater efficiencies for our business and our customers.

“This machine also demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for our workforce, while also generating opportunities for the development of new skills.”

Councillor Scott added: “Cleveland Bridge has always been a key part of Darlington’s proud engineering heritage and I was delighted to play a small part in helping them celebrate the arrival of the new advanced manufacturing equipment.

“It’s wonderful to see firms like Cleveland Bridge continue to invest in the future of their workforce.

“I’ve no doubt the company will continue to go from strength-to-strength.”