Teesside firm makes biggest-ever investment in new technology
Dormor Machine & Engineering, based in Middlesbrough, has acquired an advanced HNK horizontal boring machine, to boost capacity and capabilities.
The purchase is described as the biggest single investment in the company’s 46-year tenure.
The new machine has already begun producing components for the nuclear industry, marking a significant milestone for the company.
The investment enables Dormor, a subcontract service provider for various industries, to tackle larger and more intricate projects, whilst preserving its high standards of precision and quality.
Managing director of Dormor, Helen Cameron-Clarke, said: “This is the largest investment in a single machine since the company was formed in 1979.
“The HNK horizontal boring machine is a high precision machine that increases our capabilities to machine large components to a very high standard to serve various sectors and industries.”
The machine’s multi-operational capabilities, high-tech tooling, as well as increased efficiency and productivity, present ‘considerable benefits’.
It features a 90-pocket tool carousel, Renishaw probing for precise component setting and assisting final inspection, and a contouring head attachment for precision profiling.
Ms Cameron-Clarke added: “We now have the biggest machining envelope we have ever had.”
The HNK horizontal boring machine has already produced pump casings and hinges for the nuclear sector, and has attracted new clients and projects that were previously out of scope for Dormor.
The company’s dedication to innovation and investment is deeply ingrained in its Teesside roots.
Founded in 1979 on a former British Steel site, Dormor has consistently integrated new technologies to enhance its services at its Dormor Way headquarters.
Ms Cameron-Clarke said: “My late father, Clive Wood MBE, took over the business in 1979 and retro-fitted machines to computer operated machinery from that day onwards.
“He embraced new technology and moved the business forward.
“Over the last 25 years we have taken that on and invested even further to where we are today and we want to keep going.”
Such advancements have catalysed Dormor’s growth and prosperity.
The company underwent substantial expansion due to the manufacturing of roller assemblies for cable laying ships in the offshore wind industry.
This led to doubling the size of the factory in 2012, with further expansions in 2016.
Dormor has a team of 34 skilled employees, many of whom commenced as apprentices trained through local providers like Middlesbrough College.
The company is also committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving net-zero emissions and reducing its carbon footprint.
Ms Cameron-Clarke said: “We are a sustainable manufacturer.
“We have reduced our electrical consumption through investing in new machinery and solar PV, across the whole of the factory roof.
“There is new lighting in the factory as well, so all of that has reduced our electricity consumption by 23.4 percent.
“It is important for us to have a positive impact.
“We will continuously review that on the net-zero journey we are on.”
