A FAMILY-RUN engineering firm making parts for the oil, gas, chemical and offshore energy industries has secured a deal with a Scottish company, which will strengthen its order book.

Francis Brown Limited, in Stockton, is now working alongside Schoolhill Hydraulic Engineering, based in Aberdeen, and says the move will allow it to carry out more oil and gas projects.

The firm, founded in 1903, employs more than 100 people, and manufactures sump tanks and laboratory modules for the oil and gas sector, pressure vessels and incinerators for the chemical industry, and subsea ploughs for renewable energy projects.

The companies, who are both members of business development agency, NOF Energy, say the agreement will see subsea specialist Schoolhill use Francis Brown's specialist welding techniques, in return for shared knowledge of its hydraulic equipment and systems.

Jamie Brown, Francis Brown managing director, said: “I'm looking forward to collaborating on future projects, our fabrication capacity and experience will add value to Schoolhill’s operations, while we can benefit from their knowledge of hydraulic equipment and systems.”

Schoolhill, which employs about 40 people, has been designing and making hydraulic equipment at its Aberdeen factory since 1950, and continues to supply barrel working machinery for the global whisky, rum, and wine industry.

Joanne Leng MBE, NOF Energy deputy chief executive, said: “It is encouraging to see the North-East and the North-East of Scotland forging relationships through NOF Energy support, and will strengthen the ability of the UK supply chain to secure work in a competitive global market.”