New operations manager appointed as growth continues

Redcar-based Lynas Engineers has announced the appointment of Lee Smith as operations manager, as it continues to build its presence throughout the region.

Established in 2016, Lynas Engineers specialises in civil engineering design, infrastructure design, highways engineering, structural engineering, drainage design, 3D design and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Managing director, Rob Lynas, has grown the business to eight people with further appointments to follow across 2019.

In 2018, the company’s forward-thinking approach to project delivery helped it to win the Teesside regional heat for Best Use of Digital Technology in the North East Business Awards where it was also a finalist in the Newcomer of the Year category.

Lee Smith, who joins from engineering and design company, Atkins, where he was senior engineer, said: “I have worked with Rob for many years and have observed, with great admiration, how the company has grown in such a short space of time. Lynas Engineers is a dynamic and rapidly emerging organisation and I jumped at the chance to join.

“Rob has developed a structure that has positioned us well. The company is always looking to introduce new services and expand further afield geographically, whilst retaining many of its clients in the heartland of Tees Valley and ensuring that our people-focused culture is at the heart of all that we do.”

Rob, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lee to the Lynas team, he has a wealth of experience in civil engineering and project management and brings great expertise to our clients. My aim is to nurture new talent coming into the company and develop their skill set in-house. This includes the appointment of Tom Hustwitt in 2017, who is working towards a BTEC and NVQ in built environment through Middlesbrough College.

“We have built a very strong presence in Tees Valley and we see huge opportunities in Yorkshire, Durham and Cumbria, as we look to increase the level of projects with industrial and commercial clients, as well as further extend our experience delivering to local councils and the public sector.

“We have invested heavily in the latest technology and design software, including 3D CAD and drainage design packages, to help maximise spend and efficiency on client projects.

“In the last year we have won a number of contracts, one being a major project with Middlesbrough Council to deliver civil engineering works, which will improve traffic on the A66 Cargo Fleet roundabout and in the surrounding area.”

To manage continued growth, the company has moved to larger office space at the Wilton Centre in Redcar.

In another significant move, Phillip Dale, head of engineering at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, has been appointed non-executive director.

Phillip, said: “Lynas has grown exponentially over the past year and I have been impressed by its ambitious plans for future growth. The team is poised to grow further through a spate of new contract wins as a result of expanding its service offering and investing in the latest technology.”

Rob, added: “Phillip has an enviable track record and will add great weight and a fresh perspective to the management and direction of the business.  As we build the team, it is crucial that we are supported by experienced people whose skill set may very well have been developed in disciplines other than civil engineering. Phillip’s role will be to challenge both myself and the business and so ensure that we are continually focussed on our strategic objectives.”