CRC Evans opens multi-million pound Burnley engineering facility
New engineering facility described as one of the largest of its kind in the world officially opens in Burnley
A major new engineering facility described as one of the largest of its kind in the world has officially opened in Burnley.
CRC Evans has opened its new 90,000 sq ft Centre of Excellence at Pioneer House, doubling the size of its Burnley operation as the company expands its work across the energy and critical infrastructure sectors.
The facility brings advanced manufacturing, engineering, specialist welding, protective coating and digital capabilities together under one roof.
The investment is part of CRC Evans’ international growth plans and will support customers and projects across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Latin America.
The company has traditionally been known for its work in energy pipeline infrastructure but is now expanding into sectors including renewable energy, nuclear, defence, aerospace, utilities and other critical industries.
The official opening was attended by the Mayor of Burnley and the Leader of Burnley Borough Council, alongside CRC Evans’ leadership team, more than 100 international customers and industry partners.
CRC Evans chief executive Mauro Piasere said the development represented an investment in the future of both the company and its Burnley operation.
He said: “This is much more than the opening of a new facility. It is an investment in the future of CRC Evans and in our ability to support customers wherever they operate in the world.
“We are growing internationally, strengthening our capabilities and taking our expertise into new markets, while continuing to lead in the sectors where CRC Evans has built its reputation over more than 90 years.
“Pioneer House gives us the scale, technology and specialty capability to accelerate that ambition.
“Burnley has been at the heart of our European operations for almost four decades. This investment strengthens its role as a global hub for CRC Evans while creating the skills and capabilities we need for the next generation of energy and critical infrastructure projects.”
The purpose-built facility has been designed to meet demanding regulatory and industry requirements, including contamination-controlled workflows, segregated facilities, enhanced quality assurance and cyber security measures.
The expansion also builds on CRC Evans’ expertise in Injection Moulded Polypropylene (IMPP), a specialist technology used to protect and thermally insulate pipeline joints in high-temperature and deep-water environments.
The new centre increases the company’s capability in protective coatings for complex and safety-critical assets.
These include multi-layer epoxy and polyurethane systems, high-temperature finishes, thermal metal spray, advanced polymer coatings and intumescent fire protection.
CRC Evans said the facility would allow it to work with a wider range of materials and meet the requirements of highly regulated industries such as nuclear, defence and aerospace.
The Burnley investment is also linked to the company’s apprenticeship programme, with CRC Evans aiming to develop the next generation of engineering skills required by the energy and critical infrastructure industries.
The company said the development would strengthen Burnley’s role within its international operations while supporting the long-term development of engineering talent in the region.